Sustainable Spaces in Action
Jack’s Café and the Pantanal Bridge at the Houston Zoo
Building a Better Zoo—Naturally
Over the past five years, the Houston Zoo has undergone a sweeping multi‑phase evolution—revitalizing public spaces and animal habitats alike. Through layered partnerships with visionary architects, trusted general contractors, and skilled tradespeople, the Zoo has reimagined its grounds with sustainability, conservation, and immersive design as guiding principles.
Two standout features now anchor this transformation: Jack’s Café and Reflections Event Hall, and the Pantanal Bridge in the South America exhibit. Both demonstrate how thoughtful design and material choice can align with the Zoo’s mission—creating spaces that are both environmentally responsible and deeply connected to nature.
Crafted Through Collaborative Effort
While the Zoo has worked with numerous teams over time, Tellepsen Builders served as the primary general contractor for much of the renovation, hiring skilled subcontractors—including Texas Exterior Systems—to bring the work to life. Mason’s Mill & Lumber supplied Thermory Benchmark Ash for key exterior features, including both the Pantanal Bridge and Jack’s Café, helping bring the Zoo’s natural design vision to life, one project at a time.
Jack’s Café: Design with a Sustainable Heart
Opened in July 2025, Jack’s Café and Reflections Event Hall & Terrace now welcomes visitors as part of the Zoo’s new entrance experience. Designed by Lake|Flato Architects and engineered by Walter P. Moore, the structure is a masterclass in transitional architecture—blending indoor and outdoor spaces using materials and forms that feel grounded in the landscape.
Mason’s Mill supplied Thermory Benchmark Ash for the exterior of the café, and interior bathroom enclosures. This use of materials reinforces the café’s nature-connected feel, while offering the performance needed for Houston’s climate and high foot traffic.
The use of Thermory—a thermally modified hardwood treated with only heat and steam—supports the Zoo’s sustainability goals without compromising design. It offers exceptional durability, dimensional stability, and weather resistance—all without toxic chemicals.
The result: a clean, modern structure that quietly champions environmental responsibility while welcoming thousands of visitors every week
Pantanal Bridge: Durable, Natural, and Built to Last
Further into the Zoo, the Pantanal Bridge stands as another example of how smart design and sustainable materials can elevate public spaces. Built as part of the South America habitat, the bridge guides guests through the lush exhibit on raised wooden walkways designed to echo natural piers and jungle boardwalks.
Here too, Mason’s Mill supplied Thermory Benchmark Ash, chosen for its ability to handle outdoor exposure while maintaining a warm, natural look. The bridge’s material palette enhances the immersive experience, helping the structure blend into the surrounding landscape while standing up to Houston’s challenging climate.
Sustainable Materials With a Purpose
Used across multiple renovation phases, Thermory Benchmark Ash has played a major role in enhancing both guest-facing spaces and animal enclosures. From custom kiosks with green rooftops to bridges, soffits, and now cladding applications, this thermally modified wood supports the Zoo’s mission of conservation and longevity.
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Built for Habitat. Designed for Experience.
Throughout the Zoo, the thoughtful use of thermally modified wood helps blur the line between built and wild environments. These renovations don’t just improve aesthetics—they provide animals with more enriching spaces, while offering guests a more immersive and inspiring visit. From the authentic feel of animal enclosures to the seamless applications outside Jack’s Café, every detail is built with intention—and built to last.
Why It Matters to Mason’s Mill
At Mason’s Mill & Lumber, we believe that world-class projects begin with world-class materials—and trusted partnerships. Projects like these show how sustainable wood products like Thermory Benchmark Ash, when paired with strong architectural vision, can meet the highest design standards while standing up to the demands of high-traffic public environments.
With in-stock availability, factory finishing, custom milling, and job-site delivery, we’re proud to help fuel transformations that matter—for people, animals, and the planet.
Start your Thermory Project today!
Discover the balance of beauty and performance with thermally modified wood—treated using only heat and steam to enhance durability, stability, and natural character while staying chemical-free. Built to last indoors and out, thermowood brings deeper tones, superior moisture resistance, and refined comfort underfoot. Fill out the form to start your next Thermory project today.