Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot

Historic, environmentally friendly Children’s Zoo barn, windmill and train depot expand impact of community resource

Supreme Structures built a 3,575 square foot timber-frame Children’s Zoo barn, replica windmill, and train depot at Henry Vilas Zoo, replacing an aging structure with a durable, environmentally responsible facility designed for farm animals, birds of prey, and hands-on educational experiences. The project incorporates several green-built features, resolves site challenges near Lake Wingra and expands the popular Children’s Zoo train. It also enables the zoo to continue to grow as a community resource, and supports its focus on energy conservation and education.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Exposed timber-framing with Douglas Fir from sustainable forests
Mortise-and-tenon joints, pine plank roof interior, stone columns, and dual cupolas
Seven animal pens, staff area, restroom, hay storage, and a second-floor loft
Aviaries for birds of prey designed to resemble historic silos
Solar panels, geothermal wells, and soy-based insulation support near off-grid operation
Replica 1933 windmill pumps water to a rain garden; 1,000-gallon rainwater system used for cleaning and irrigation
Train tracks extended and new depot built to match the barn’s historic aesthetic

Madison, WI

New Construction, Design-Build

KEE Architecture

Government & Municipal, Nonprofit

3,575 sq ft

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Exterior — Timber frame barn construction

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Round aviaries,, cupolas and solar panels — Round aviaries,, cupolas and solar panels

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Timber frame barn — Timber frame barn houses farm animals for children's petting zoo

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Barn provides — Barn provides habitat for goats and other farm animals

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Animal pens — Animal pens and display area for historic tools

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - First floor with exposed timber beams — First floor with exposed timber beams

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Exposed timber beams and metal railing — Exposed timber beams and metal railing

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Second floor loft — Second floor loft

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Timber frame train depot — Timber frame train depot

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Timber beams and stone columns — Timber beams and stone columns

Henry Vilas Zoo Children’s Barn and Train Depot - Douglas fir timber frame structure — Douglas fir timber frame structure

TESTIMONIAL

"Innovative improvements to the zoo’s exhibits and animal enclosures are a big reason why record numbers of people continue to visit us every year. Our new Children’s Zoo barn allows the Henry Vilas Zoo’s focus on energy conservation and education to really shine through."

Jim Hubing and Joe Parisi

Henry Vilas Zoo Director and Dane County Executive