As the flagship enclosure for the Welsh Mountain Zoo’s new Silk Road Development, the Snow Leopard Enclosure sought to establish a sense of awe in its approach to zoo design. Inspired by the indigenous architecture of the snow leopard’s natural habitat, the main housing takes the form of a contemporary interpretation of a hill-style temple vernacular. Connected to the surrounding paths via raised walkways, its viewing platforms present visitors with tailored viewing points across the enclosure and beyond to the Carneddau Mountains and Colwyn Bay.

The wellbeing of the snow leopard was at the forefront of the design, providing them with a much larger enclosure featuring more natural topography complete with rocky outcrop. Meanwhile, it offers visitors nose-to-nose experiences through the extensive glazed section of the enclosure.