Naylor Savanna
The Naylor Savanna elevates guest and animal experiences by creating immersive architecture within the largest habitat in the 111-year history of San Antonio Zoo. The project includes a large giraffe barn and an overnight guest lodge. The design team worked closely with the Animal Care team to ensure animal welfare came first. This led to the selection of eased edge wood glulams for both building's structure as giraffes lick and lean on everything. The buildings provide safe, close proximity for keepers and the public to observe these magnificent animals while serving as a pleasing backdrop to the savanna. The spacious new giraffe barn features a keeper walk at giraffe height for animal care, larger day-lit stalls, as well as an office overlooking the barn and shady outdoor porches.
Offering one-of-a-kind overnight stays overlooking the savanna, the Speckboom Lodge provides families with giraffe-level views from both indoor and outdoor spaces. A shaded porch tuned to capture the summer breezes provides prime animal observation. Inside a special bay window with a trundle bed allows visitors to spend time, and even sleep, within an unforgettable view of the savanna. A portion of the overnight stays directly funds giraffe conservation in their native range.
Architecture: smithdish architecture; Animal Care: San Antonio Zoo Animal Care Team; Interior Design: smithdish architecture with WestEast Design Group; Timber Frame Design Assist: Timberlyne Group; Structural/Civil: A-1 Engineering; MEP Engineer: DBR; Landscape Architecture: Terra Design Group with San Antonio Zoo; Building Envelope: Acton Partners; Code: FPCC; Archeology: Pape Dawson; Geotech: TTL; Heavy Timber Contractor: Timberlyne Group; General Contractor: Spawglass; Photographer: Corey Leamon; Collaborator: Trey Rabke
Awards: San Antonio American Subcontractors Association 2024 Project of the Year