All-Electric Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Image courtesy of Sozinho Imagery.
Image courtesy of Sozinho Imagery.
Image courtesy of Sozinho Imagery.
Image courtesy of Sozinho Imagery.
Image courtesy of Sozinho Imagery.
Image courtesy of Sozinho Imagery.

Pacific Seas Aquarium, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Tacoma, WA

Project Categories

Seattle
All-Electric
Civic + cultural

Business Type

Renovation and expansion of existing aquarium

Size

31,600 square feet

The 100-year-old zoological park is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The new Pacific Seas renovation and expansion is one of the only all electric aquariums in the country, supporting clean energy for conservation.

Architect

EHDD

Owner

Metro Parks of Tacoma

Services

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Plumbing engineering

LUMA Lighting Design

Building performance analysis

Fire protection

Technology design

Sustainability

Progress Report

Pursuing 30% energy efficiency than code requirements
Pursuing 50% potable water efficiency than code requirements

Special features

100% outside air system provides exceptional indoor air quality.
Heat-recovery air-to-water heat pump and heat-pump recovery loop reduce energy and operational costs while providing effective heat exchange.
Radiant floors provide active heating for guest comfort.
Rainwater-reclamation system for flushing toilets, supporting water conservation.
All electric heating eliminates the need for fossil-fuel gas boilers, which can impact the ocean's acidity.