Bradford Construction recently completed a large steel and woodworking project at the CAS (California Academy of Science) We were hired to work in conjunction with Thinc Design out of New York to help finalize the design and build all of the animal enclosures in the large glass “Bola” at the Academy.

Not wanting to work with true Zebrawood which is an endangered rare wood, Bradford Construction opted to work with Reconstituted Zebrawood which uses Obeche, or Certified Italian Poplar, and stains it to match the Zebrawood design. It is a beautiful option to true Zebrawood.

Once the right veneer was chosen to match all the other elements at the Academy, Bradford Construction then focused its attention on the bending and powder coating of all of the support poles and Bamboo sticks. The poles are made of ¼” steel pipe, bent by hand and powder coated at NRI Powder coating. All of the Bamboo “Sticks” are bamboo veneer from Smith & Fong, that were cut down and riveted into place.

The overall desire was to create an environment that simulated walking through tall grasses, wild vines, thick over brush and wildlife and be able to view the animals in the true environment. The CAS is an absolute wonder to visit!

EcoResign by 3Form:

Bradford Construction has used 3Form “eco-resin” on a number of projects. The most recent is the California Academy of Science. We developed, designed and built the Chameleon enclosures at the new Academy in Golden Gate Park. The 3Form “eco-resin” is a great product and it comes in many different designs. We choose the “Ting Ting” with natural reeds cast inside to help screen the Chameleons from one another. It is easy to use, and incredibly strong. Visit 3-Form at www.3-Form.com .