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fluttering in A SAFE RAINFOREST
ENVIRONMENT

Cockrell Butterfly Center
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston, Texas

More than 2,000 butterflies flutter by visitors, even land on them to take a well-deserved rest. This sunlit, butterfly friendly structure establishes the Houston Museum of Natural Science as a leader in butterfly display technology.

This 25,000-square-foot glass-enclosed structure was designed with no projecting elements or sharp edges that are dangerous to these winged wonders.

The superstructure will safely and economically withstand Class 5 hurricane winds. Our solution is an elegant system of vertical trusses arranged radially around the perimeter, which is light and airy. All truss chord and web elements use shop-welded pipe members to improve sun reflectivity, minimize maintenance requirements and eliminate sharp edges.

With the external chords connected just inside the glass with a graceful system of small tension-tie rods, the truss system efficiently supports the weight of the exhibits and provides a stiff superstructure to resist hurricane winds.

We assisted in defining a new lease with Hermann Park, coordinated with the city water plant, and modified Caroline Street to accommodate the new parking garage.