In this episode, Cherise is joined by Colley Hodges, Sustainability Manager at the Houston Zoo. He has more than a decade of experience in architecture and sustainability, having directed the sustainability program for one of the largest design firms in Texas before joining the Zoo.

Colley now leads the sustainability program for the Houston Zoo and participates in the planning and design of its master plan projects. In this episode he shares his insights into the Katherine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands and Cypress Circle Café.

You can see the project here as you listen along.

The Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands and Cypress Circle Café won top honors for excellence in exhibit design from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2021.

Designed by SHR Studios (exhibit) and Lake/Flato Architects (architecture), the new roughly 28,000 sf exhibit features three previously threatened iconic species native to Texas—bald eagles, whooping cranes, and American alligators—and the 11,500 sf restaurant integrated into the exhibit, Cypress Circle Café, is one of the only Green Restaurant Association certified restaurants in Houston.

This project had unique challenges and opportunities:

• carefully selected sustainable materials,
• developing a complex life support system for the exhibits,
• using the wetlands to manage the campus’ stormwater through extensive aquatic and riparian plantings,
• and much more!

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