Argall

Melbourne Zoo Giraffe Feeder

The inaugural Argall project involved the design and engineering of the Melbourne Zoo giraffe feeder. The team was tasked with creating a feeder that was aesthetic, yet simple enough to blend into the background, almost unnoticeable. Additionally the feeder was required to have practical elements involving shade for the animals and the ability to raise and lower the feeding basket.
The structure was designed utilizing structural circular hollow sections to create the trunk and extend upwards to form the shading branches. These branches were covered with custom aluminum cladding panels. To ensure structural integrity, a helix rod was incorporated to resist torsion. The structure also featured an adjustable feed basket that wrapped around the trunk, providing the ability to be raised or lowered as required.

Architect:

Year:

Construction Budget:

Challenges:

Urban Initiatives
2017
Close collaboration between the builder, zoo keepers, and architect was needed to develop a solution that was both feasible to construct and met the desired aesthetic and functional goals. Together, we worked to find a cost-effective approach that would satisfy all requirements. Additionally, the design involved creating efficient pulley and operation systems for raising and lowering the feeder basket, including the implementation of a fall arrest system to ensure safety during operation.

Architect:

Urban Initiatives

Year:

2017

Construction Budget:

Challenges:

Close collaboration between the builder, zoo keepers, and architect was needed to develop a solution that was both feasible to construct and met the desired aesthetic and functional goals. Together, we worked to find a cost-effective approach that would satisfy all requirements. Additionally, the design involved creating efficient pulley and operation systems for raising and lowering the feeder basket, including the implementation of a fall arrest system to ensure safety during operation.

ANDREW GALL, Director

Argall was founded in 2017 by Andrew Gall, an engineer with a passion for complex design and breaking the mould. His work experience as a senior structural engineer across a variety of project disciplines made him realise there was a real need for a bespoke people and service-oriented structural engineering consultancy that would inspire sustainability practices and innovation often lacking in big companies.

This is over and above his experience in traditional procurement roles, his work with builders in the design and construct field, managing projects in sport, tertiary education, the arts and zoological fields, as well as community, commercial, residential and multi- residential enterprises. With such a wealth of knowledge and understanding of different design methodologies, he has the expertise to challenge the status quo in his new venture.