Tropicarium at Luisenpark

Modernisation in Mannheim's Luisenpark has long-lasting impact

Since its inauguration in 1958, the lush vegetation and animals from Asia and the Americas has made the tropicarium at Luisenpark in Mannheim a popular attraction. 13 years ago a gradual renovation was started by replacing a large portion of the glass roofing and facades with high-quality polycarbonate sheets. At the time the modernisation received a lot of attention due to the unusual length of the polycarbonate sheets, measuring in at 11.8 meters. Even today, however, the sheets have continued to demonstrate their indestructibility and quality despite being exposed to extreme conditions.

In the renovation only the glass was replaced, with most of the sub-structure remaining in place to hold the lighter polycarbonate sheets, which saved costs. When the sheets were originally installed they stood out for their transparency, letting in quantities of light, as well as for their low weight, hassle-free handling and easy processing. After 13 years of experience several more benefits can be added to that list today. The weather-resistant sheets still do not show any signs of yellowing and offer optimum translucency. Even the chemically aggressive droppings from the many storks nesting at Luisenpark have not affected the long life span of the material. The inside of the sheets has a no-drop coating, which prevents condensation drips and allows the sunlight to pass through without any obstructing reflections. The UV properties has proven climate properties that directly benefits the reptiles in the snake house whose cold-blooded metabolism does not enable them to maintain a constant body temperature, making a warm environment crucial for their survival. The UV properties of the polycarbonate sheets ensures a consistent temperature inside the tropicarium by preventing sudden drops in temperature, unlike the previous installation of glass. The heat-insulation properties not only prevent colds in snakes, a prior problem with the glass installations, but also contributes to energy savings.