The house is built into a green hill and is a prominent crystal prism. The walls are built of coarse materials such as stone, metal and wood, which gives the it a hippopotamus feel.

The hippos at Zoo have gotten 1140 m2 space with an indoor as well as an outdoor pool.

The Hippopotamus House is also equipped with an artificial lake with tropical vegetation and an island in the middle. The house also has stables where the hippos can retire.

The architects behind the house are Dall & Lindhartsen and they've designed the house in such a way that the visitors also have the opportunity to see what the hippos are doing under water.