Berne, Switzerland

Flying acrobats under an elegant Webnet roof

Atlantic Puffin Habitat, Animal Park Dählhölzli

This dynamic rope and netting structure was assembled on site by Jakob Rope Systems. It is a home for 28 Atlantic Puffins, 6 Arctic Terns, and 2 Golden Plovers. The ‘Sea Parrots’ plunge into the cold water from high cliffs with thrashing wing movements. They let the waves wash them ashore or dive into the water and continue their ‘flight’ submerged. This unique form of locomotion under water can be experienced through 2-meter high observation windows.

Architect: Patrick Thurston, Berne

Jakob products

Webnet Ø 1.5 mm, mesh 25 mm, 400 square metres
Five primary ropes Ø 14.0, 16.0, 22.0, 26.0 and 36.0 mm