Aviary at Luisenpark, Mannheim
Mannheim, Germany
Large Aviary at Luisenpark Features Jakob Webnet
Almost 2,000 m2 of transparent Webnet panels stretch across the walk-in aviary at the Luisenpark in Mannheim, creating a large, open environment for the birds. Jakob Rope Systems was responsible for the design, supply, and installation of the net structures for this prestigious zoo and landscape project.
Background and Design Concept
Luisenpark, originally developed for the 1975 Federal Garden Show (BUGA), has become a popular attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide. The park’s mature natural surroundings, combined with architectural highlights, offer a harmonious blend of nature and design. In preparation for BUGA 2023, a comprehensive redesign took place, with the architect’s vision enhancing the park with flowing, organic structures that complement the landscape.
At the heart of this transformation is the large aviary, spanning an impressive 1,300 square metres. Home to species like African storks, red ibises, and bald ibises, the aviary allows visitors to follow a circular path, offering a close-up view of the birdlife. The design of the large aviary ensures plenty of nesting areas and quiet retreats for the birds, with lush planting, water features, and a soaring flight height of 13 metres creating an ideal habitat.
Construction and Installation Process
The large aviary, characterised by its curved design and supported by three pylons that rise up to 16 metres, is topped by a light and transparent canopy resembling a tent.
Jakob Rope Systems was responsible for the design, supply, and installation of the Webnet and rope structures, with Webnet panels used both for the aviary roof and the surrounding walls.
For the roof, a total of 1,950 square metres of Webnet micro black was installed, chosen for its discreet and highly transparent qualities. Additional Webnet panels were also fitted to the aviary walls and for a stork protection net, using the same Webnet micro black material to maintain consistency across the large aviary.
Installation took place between February and April 2023, in preparation for the reopening.
Following the steel construction, the roof nets were installed. Comprising 15 sections, the installation had some logistical challenges, as each net panel weighed approximately 200 kilograms. The total roof net weight came to around 2,720 kilograms. To complete the work without surface scaffolding, the Jakob Rope Systems installation team used mobile telescopic articulated work platforms, with traditional facade scaffolding employed for the aviary walls.
The large aviary was completed in time for its grand opening in April 2023, coinciding with the launch of BUGA 2023.
Aviary Geometry and Dimensions
- Aviary area: 1,300 sqm
- Maximum height: 13 m
- Average flight height: 10 m
- Height of internal stall: 4 m
Jakob Rope Systems Products and Services
- Aviary Roof:
Webnet micro, Ø 2 mm, mesh size 40 mm
Total area: 1,947.91 sqm - Stork Protection Net:
Webnet micro, Ø 2 mm, mesh size 100 mm
Total area: 241.68 sqm
Primary ropes: Stainless steel, Ø 10 mm, 1×19 - Aviary Wall:
Webnet micro, Ø 1.5 mm, mesh size 40 mm
Primary ropes: Stainless steel, Ø 10–12 mm, 6×19 + WC
Project Partners
- Architects: bez+kock architekten / Koeber Landschaftsarchitektur, Stuttgart
- Building Owner: Stadtpark Mannheim gemeinnützige GmbH
- Aviary Design & Statics: wh-p Ingenieure / Marlene Thimet / Rudi Oswald
- Steel Construction: Roleff GmbH & Co KG
- Ropes and Net Supply/Assembly: Jakob Rope Systems
