Houston Zoo Cypress Circle Cafe & Wetland
This multi-phase expansion will transform the 55-acre zoo into a world class establishment by its centennial anniversary in 2022. A redesigned front entrance and Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Houston Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat, as well as updated interactive exhibits and dynamic wayfinding will create a new iconic identity and position the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. The Texas Wetlands is a striking demonstration of the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability. The renovation of the historic Cypress Circle Café building and existing stagnant pond revitalized the exhibit into a thriving, biodiverse constructed wetland. The wetland features a striking 35’ long photomural of a whooping crane in flight, setting the mood for diners in the new Cypress Circle Café. Green Restaurant Certified.
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![Wetland area looking towards cafe A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_board.jpg?itok=o3P6vEYc)
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![Redesigned Cafe entrance A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_N37_board.jpg?itok=9FGr-s-g)
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![Courtyard dining area A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_N34_board.jpg?itok=xJroLxbi)
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![Interior cafe dining A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_N41_board.jpg?itok=kpuftNSw)
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![Outside dining experience overlooking the wetlands A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_N38_board.jpg?itok=GmkkJGMa)
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![Wetland area looking towards the crane exhibit A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_N28_board.jpg?itok=XqIcIyUi)
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![Crane exhibit in wetland area A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_N31_board.jpg?itok=yHj_yQIf)
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![Alligator exhibit entry A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_N32_board.jpg?itok=j8wCKeEI)
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![Child watching alligator exhibit A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_N33_board.jpg?itok=Xk9g4OEr)
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![Wetland walk A redesigned front entrance, Cypress Circle Cafe sited along the Zoo’s new multi-species Texas Wetlands habitat creates a new iconic identity and positions the zoo as leaders in conservation and education. Green Restaurant Certified.](https://lakeflato.com/sites/default/files/styles/scaled_original/public/project-media/17002_P_N29_board.jpg?itok=3tSB_Kpj)
Exhibit Designer: Studio Hanson
Structural Engineer: MLA Engineering
Photography: Peter Molick