WE-EF PROJECTORS FOR A JUNGLE ATMOSPHERE

The Wilhelma in Stuttgart is both a zoo and a botanical garden, so new buildings need to incorporate the interests of animals, plants and visitors alike. That includes the new Great Ape House, which offers the gorillas and bonobos monkeys 13 times more space than their previous abode. Just like a concrete mountain ridge, the design by Berlin architects Hascher Jehle nestles naturally in the surrounding landscape. The enclosures feature large-scale glass partitions around the visitors’ area and house lush vegetation comprising about 75 plant species from the African tropics. However, in a Central European climate, they need additional light to flourish, which is provided by more than 100 WE-EF FLC240 projectors that illuminate the planters above as well as the beds that run along the glass partitions.

The projectors are the perfect choice, thanks to their neutral technical design, their ease of use and their high-quality, efficient visual systems. The housings, with a protection rating of IP66 feature 5CE superior corrosion protection, are protected from the tropical humidity in the building. Flood or linear spread lenses are used to adjust the light distribution so that approximately 3000 lx is achieved in the illuminated areas. Metal halide 150 W lamps were chosen for the projectors as the light they provide offers a good spectral compromise between the requirements of the plants and the comfort of visitors. The linear arrangement of the projectors on the exposed concrete ceiling achieves precise, even illumination of the plants without causing distracting glare from reflection on the glass panels of the building.

Architects: Hascher Jehle Architektur, Berlin