Steel structures for ARTIS Lion enclosure

Staalbouw Mook provided all steel structures for the new Lion enclosure at ARTIS, except for the main structure. The company supplied and installed all fencing, wire mesh walls, hand-operated sliding shutters, the roof structure and visitor fencing around the pond. "In consultation with the caretakers, we worked out the details," he said.

It was not the first time the metal construction company has worked for ARTIS. Owner Robert Janssen: "We have a long-standing relationship with ARTIS and they are familiar with our quality and reliability. Because we have our own engineering, workshop and service, we can offer the complete package."

In the past, Staalbouw Mook had already worked directly for ARTIS on the large Jaguar enclosure, the Weidevolière and the Gibbon enclosure. Because of this relationship, Staalbouw Mook was approached by general contractor Van Wijnen Bouw for the Lion House during the tender phase. "We work with our own people and they know the people of ARTIS. Working in a zoo is always special, because you also have to take the animals and visitors into account. For example, you can't just drive in with a bus. The logistics require tight planning. In addition, you can't start drilling without consultation, because a pregnant animal, for example, might be inconvenienced. So sometimes quite a few surprises come along."

Engineering as added value

The added value of Staalbouw Mook is mainly in the engineering piece. The steel builder provides the design, detail and workshop drawings with advanced 3D drawing programs. In the design of the Lions' enclosure, for example, it was roughly indicated where the interior fencing was to be located and how many sliding shutters were needed. Janssen: "In consultation with the caretakers, we worked it out in detail: where should which hatch come? Is that feeder in the right place? That's where our strength lies: in the right collaboration with the client and the user. We often hear: 'you do what you promise'. To us that goes without saying, but by now it seems more the exception."

In addition, the company masters the entire process. With some 35 people, Staalbouw Mook takes care of engineering through to assembly and maintenance. "We want to be the best at what we do, especially in such specific projects. Because our company name no longer quite fits the developments in the company, we are going to change it. From the middle of next year, when we celebrate our fortieth anniversary, we will be called Metal Group Mook (MGM)."