Aviary at the Houston Zoo, Sculptural aviary in Houston Zoo, United States
The Aviary at the Houston Zoo is a concrete structure shaped to resemble natural wood, featuring a pond, fountain, tree-like forms, and rocky outcrops that create a naturalistic habitat. It now serves as the Flamingo Habitat, a prominent feature within the zoo's layout.
A Mexican artist built the structure in 1926 using a specialized technique to make concrete look like wood. The concrete framework survived a major hurricane in 1961 that destroyed the wire elements.
The structure reflects early 20th-century craftsmanship and shapes how visitors experience the Flamingo Habitat within the zoo. You can see the artful concrete work that mimics natural wood, creating a habitat where birds blend with their surroundings.
The habitat is located in the northern section of the Houston Zoo and is easily reached on foot by following the zoo's pathways. Early morning visits are best when crowds are lighter and the birds are more active.
The concrete surfaces were created using a specialized handcraft technique called Faux Bois, where the hard material was shaped and textured to look like real wood. This method was groundbreaking in the early 1900s and remains visually striking today.
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