Tag Archives: birdhouse

Birdhouse lets budding ornithologists interact safely with the birds

Posted on by

One of the more interesting and “interactive” ways we can commune with nature is by observing birds. There’s a reason why there are a lot of birdwatching groups and bird watchers themselves, even though it’s not always a hobby for everyone. While most of the time birds are observed in their natural habitat, there are also times when helping them nest in birdhouses is needed, especially during harsh weather.

Designer: Siberian Design Centre

Domik Ptashki is a wooden birdhouse that was especially designed to be attractive to both birds and humans but be as close as possible to the natural habitat and also be environmentally safe. The round shape is designed to resemble the natural tree hollow which birds take shelter in at times and also to reduce the impact of weather conditions like rain, snow, and wind. Its tophole also has a deep cylindrical shape to protect them from other predatory animals.

Because it has a low centre of gravity, the birdhouse can be fastened between the branches of a tree without the danger of damaging the tree itself or needing additional fasteners. It doesn’t have sharp corners that may harm the birds and it is also less visible in its natural environment. It is also made from natural materials and impregnations and can be assembled and disassembled easily.

The Domik Ptashki is meant to be used by humans to not just protect the birds but also take the position of an ornithologist. The designers recommend studying what’s the best place to put the birdhouse in and also comes with instructions on what to do with it once the birds leave this particular nest. It is meant to be used in places like gardens, parks, and personal plots so the minimalist design lets it blend seamlessly into the background.

The post Birdhouse lets budding ornithologists interact safely with the birds first appeared on Yanko Design.

Street number is a nesting space for tiny birds in the cities

Posted on by

I live in a city where seeing birds out in the concrete jungle is very rare since all the noise, smog, and the tall buildings have probably scared them away. So when I visited New Zealand and saw birds just “walking” around and mingling with people (and stealing their food at times), I was enchanted and wished our cities were bird-friendly as well. It’s a good sign when an urban space has birds freely flying around and not afraid of people and their environment.

Designers: Mikołaj Nicer and Paweł Frej

Numbird is a nesting box that can invite small birds to rest and stay in it while also doubling as a street address marker since they’re shaped as digits. There’s a small hole in the middle that serves as the space where the birds can nest. So it’s just tiny birds that can fit into that although the bigger birds can perch on the numbers if they wanted to. The birdhouses are easy to assemble so it can be a group activity in your family or it can also be a community project to show that people and birds can co-exist even in a highly urbanized area.

The nesting box is made from waterproof plywood components that were impregnated with natural oil. The kit has all the necessary parts and tools needed to put together the birdhouses that are also your house or building number. It looks pretty easy to assemble so both kids and grown-ups can have a fun and easy time putting them together. They say that the shared number is not only a practical thing but also a symbolic element into “improving the lives of all city inhabitants”.

A lot of the natural habitats of these birds, particularly the small ones, have been destroyed by rapid urbanization. These digit-shaped nesting boxes cannot bring back their original homes or make them less afraid of interacting with humans but it’s a step towards helping humans and the avian species in our urban spaces “co-exist peacefully”.

The post Street number is a nesting space for tiny birds in the cities first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Linoleum Birdhouse Game That Educates and Instils The Values Of Sustainability

Posted on by

In an interesting collaboration, design studio Mano de Santo has joined forces with French design atelier Tarkett to introduce ELVI. This innovative urban birdhouse game delves into the transformative potential of reusing materials. An eco-friendly and adaptable creation that not only highlights the versatility of linoleum but also aims to provide an interactive learning experience, fostering awareness and coexistence with urban wildlife.

Designers: Mano de Santo and Tarkett

In the world of birdhouse games, ELVI is not your everyday player. It stands out for its incredible ability to fit in just about anywhere – be it on streetlights, trees, balconies, or bars. It has a way of seamlessly blending into different spots, making it the go-to choice for those who appreciate a touch of beauty. What makes it even cooler is its modular design, making it super easy for anyone to put it together. You can be your own urban designer, customizing the birdhouse to match your style. The DIY aspect of ELVI adds a unique and personal dimension to the birdhouse-making process. By allowing individuals to assemble the birdhouse themselves, it creates a sense of connection to the project. This hands-on approach not only fosters a personal connection with the final product but also instills a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

But this birdhouse is not just about looking good; it’s on a mission to teach us some important values. Imagine it as a wise friend, sharing knowledge about linoleum – a material often used for floors. It’s not just comfortable and durable; it’s also super versatile. You can find it in schools, hospitals, and many other places. The birdhouse takes this material and turns it into a piece of art that fits perfectly into our daily lives. The DIY nature encourages more people to actively engage in sustainable practices. As individuals take part in the creation of their birdhouses, they become more conscious of the materials used and the environmental impact of their choices.

Beyond its good looks, it takes on another important role as an educational tool. It’s like a guiding light, showing us how linoleum can be recycled and why it’s so good for the environment. It’s a product of the values of Tarkett, emphasizing how linoleum can be recovered and reused after we’re done using it. By pointing out the linoleum’s cleanliness and its ability to become new floors, the birdhouse wants us to feel responsible for taking care of our environment.

The hands-on experience serves as an educational tool, promoting a greater understanding of the importance of reusing materials like linoleum and contributing to a culture of sustainability.

By creating ELVI, a birdhouse game that goes beyond just being pretty, the project adds a special touch to urban spaces. Its design and focus on the eco-friendly qualities of linoleum make it more than just a decoration; it becomes a symbol of responsible choices and a reminder that we can live in harmony with nature even in our busy cities.

The post A Linoleum Birdhouse Game That Educates and Instils The Values Of Sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.

Adorable Little ADU Resembles A Birdhouse While Tackling The Housing Crunch In Austin,Texas

Posted on by

Did you know that according to recent reports Austin, Texas has become one of the most expensive places to live in the United States of America? In such a scenario, accessory dwelling units could be the way to go, and this adorable-looking compact corrugated accessory dwelling called the Birdhouse is a brilliant option!

Designed by North Arrow Studio, the Birdhouse is a minimal bright white structure with a modest footprint that somehow manages to span over two floors. The home occupies 84 square meters and shares a 550 square meter lot with a 1939 single-story house, and three massive pecan trees. “This design protects and celebrates the three large protected pecan trees adjacent to the building. The small building footprint has less impact on the land and tiptoes around the critical root zones of these trees. The courtyard and the home utilize the surrounding tree canopies for additional shade and privacy,” said the studio.

Pros:

  • The home is strategically placed around the pecan trees to create a cozy courtyard
  • Features round windows, making it resemble a birdhouse

Cons:

  • The entryway with it’s 3 round windows restricts the light coming in from that side

Designer: North Arrow Studio

The exterior of the home is dominated by its corrugated steel cladding, which imparts it with a rather tactile quality. Since it is quite a sustainable material, corrugated metal was chosen and used to build the roof and siding, making the envelope of the house 100 percent recyclable. The second-story main suite features a double vaulted ceiling which makes the roof framed, providing less ‘attic’ insulation space, hence corrugated metal was an excellent choice in repelling heat during the hot summers. The entire home is marked with large windows, which provide the home with its birdhouse-like resemblance and quirky name.

The interior of the home is warm and cozy, with the living room providing a break from the hectic city life and noise on the outside. The home features a small and functional kitchenette with three round windows that allow natural light to stream into the interior. The ground floor accommodates the bathroom, which is minimalist in nature, except for the fire engine red tiles. The bedroom is on the upper story and has a really spacious feel owing to its double-vaulted roof. A reading nook is tucked away under one of the apexes of the roof. A 5-foot round window in the bedroom can be opened, letting in fresh air.

Though the Birdhouse had a pretty tight budget, the studio did a tremendous job in creating a cozy, functional, and well-equipped ADU that feels much larger than it really is, allowing to serve as a small solution to the rising cost of living in Austin, Texas.

The post Adorable Little ADU Resembles A Birdhouse While Tackling The Housing Crunch In Austin,Texas first appeared on Yanko Design.

BIG ushers in their latest hotel concept with 350 birdhouses to increase the region’s biodiversity

Posted on by

Sweden’s Treehotel introduces their latest hotel room which covers a 34m2 cubic living unit with 350 birdhouses to increase the region’s bird population and provide nesting sites during each breeding season.

The Treehotel in Swedish Lapland is Bjarke Ingels Group’s (BIG) immersive hospitality experience that creates unique hotel accommodations through a variety of cabins in the woods. Incorporating the local materials of wood and stone into the build of each cabin, the Treehotel units each react to the surrounding forest differently just like the trees and vegetation that provide the hotel’s backdrop.

Designer: Bjarke Ingels Group

In a recent collaboration with Swedish ornithologist Ulf Öhman, the Treehotel’s latest hotel room is called Biosphere for its spherical frame covered by 350 birdhouses to increase the region’s biodiversity and double as a bird habitat.

Suspended amidst the pines of Sweden’s Harads locality, Biosphere is the eighth hotel room on the property. The interior of each 34m2 hotel unit can be accessed via a suspension bridge that slopes from the ground floor up to the Treehotel’s units. While the interiors are described as “simple and pragmatic,” dark elements and organic materials help the units feel as cozy as a nest.

Visitors can also access a panoramic vista point on the roof terrace that completely opens up to the surrounding forest. As the architects behind Biosphere put it, “Surrounded by subtle bird song–balanced by the exterior triple-glazing facade–guests are provided with an intimate, immersive nature experience.”

The birdhouses that envelop the cubic living units were incorporated into the design in an attempt enhance the surrounding biosphere, with the aim being to decrease the downward trend of the local bird population in the surrounding Swedish woods and strengthen the rich biodiversity of the region. Working closely with Öhman enlightened Treehotel’s architects on the region’s bird population and how to help conserve it.

As Öhman notes, “Inventories in Norrbotten county, carried out both by us as ornithologists and by the county administrative board, show that the number of different bird populations is decreasing. Forestry has led to a reduced number of natural holes in trees where breeding birds nest. The installation of bird nests is, therefore, an important measure to take.”

Öhman continues, “Furthermore, climate change leads to the insect boom happening earlier in the year, and by the time the birds’ eggs hatch, the boom has already passed. Feeding is an important support mechanism for the birds that stay in northern Sweden and require food during winter.

Demonstrating the use of bird nests and feeding, not just at the Treehotel but for people to install near their own homes, is valuable. An initiative from Treehotel to take such measures may inspire their visitors to do the same.”

The hotel’s elevational treatment doubles as a bird habitat for the region’s avian population. 

The staggered, multi-shaped configuration of the birdhouses still allows the natural sunlight to come through to each unit.

The unit’s glass facades allow pools of sunlight to enter.

The darker interior elements provide a nestlike quality to the unit.

The post BIG ushers in their latest hotel concept with 350 birdhouses to increase the region’s biodiversity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Birdhouses hide in these ingenious home address signs to encourage avian-urban biodiversity!

Posted on by

Our Common House is a household design concept that’s part-address sign and part-birdhouse, designed to increase avian-urban biodiversity.

When we’re not thinking about whether or not they’re real, watching birds always seems to bring us back to nature. Whether we live in a big city or in a rural small town, waking up to the sounds of hummingbirds or looking on as a sparrow builds its nest reminds us that we share our homes with all kinds of birds. Sometimes the concrete and traffic of busy cities make us forget, but products like birdhouses and feeders always bring us back. Designer Mikołaj Nicer conceptualized Our Common House for this reason. Part address sign and part birdhouse, Our Common House is a household design that aims to encourage avian-urban biodiversity.

From a distance, Our Common House is your typical household address display. Made from natural fired clay, the outer casing of Our Common House is unassuming and minimalist. Unadorned by design, Our Common House sports an adaptable design that could fit onto any modern home’s exterior. Whenever the address digits look like they could use some cleaning, residents can remove the outer casing to clean it up before attaching it back on. Just beneath the natural fired clay exterior casing is a nesting box constructed from natural wood. Available in either oak, pine, or poplar, the nesting box provides a safe space for birds to breed, eat, and take care of their young safe from the threat of predators. When conceptualizing Our Common House, Nicer hoped to combine the functionality of address signs with a sustainable cause.

Describing this, Nicer notes, “The lack of nesting opportunities is one of the most important factors limiting the success of urban bird populations. Modern building technologies and concepts of city space organization leave little room for…nesting…Our Common House offers a simple and scalable solution to this problem. It turns the common element of building aesthetics into a functional nesting unit, thus providing the population of urban birds with an invaluable resource.”

Designer: Mikołaj Nicer

The post Birdhouses hide in these ingenious home address signs to encourage avian-urban biodiversity! first appeared on Yanko Design.

DIY Wooden Security Camera Birdhouse: Big Bird Is Watching

Posted on by

Cleverly shaped like the sort of closed-circuit surveillance camera you might see on the side of a building, Instructables user JoopB1 has outlined step-by-step instructions for how to build your own fake security camera birdhouse out of scrap wood (in this case leftover 12mm plywood, but the dimensions can be adjusted for almost any thickness plywood). Let’s get building!

JoopB1 clearly states at the beginning of the Instructable that “the process is quite simple and it’s not difficult to make your own version of this birdhouse,” although I have my doubts. I mean not for most people, just myself. I’ve found that if a project involves measuring and cutting, those measurements end up wrong, and fingers end up cut.

Could you imagine taking a stroll through the woods and looking up and seeing one of these things? What a hoot! You know, like the sound an owl makes. Because we’re talking about birds. This is a post about birds.

A roof for you, a home for your furry friends

Posted on by

birdhouse_tile_1

If you’ve ever wanted to wake up to the chirping of birds, the Birdhouse Tiles are the best way to go about it. Not just a roof above your head, these tiles provide roofs above the heads of birds too. Integrating a birdhouse into the ceramic tile, the Birdhouse tiles can be used alongside regular ones, letting you put as many birdhouses you want on your roof.

Designed in consultation with Vogelbescherming Nederland (a Dutch organization that is concerned with protecting avian life), the Birdhouse helps support and house local birds, letting them flourish instead of dying out or migrating. Inside the Birdhouse, underneath the roof tile, a carefully designed nesting basket made of wood and bird screen is attached. This nesting basket ensures good ventilation, prevents the birds from moving to other empty spots underneath your roof and makes it really easy to clean the nest after a breeding period.

By installing one or more of these Birdhouse roof tiles, you give birds a safe haven to nest and raise their chicks. Instead of crawling under the roof tiles to build a nest and becoming pests rather than pets, the birds can now linger in their own cozy terracotta row houses!

Designer: Klaas Kuiken

Click Here to Buy Now

birdhouse_tile_2

birdhouse_tile_3

birdhouse_tile_4

birdhouse_tile_5

Click Here to Buy Now

A Perfect Place to Perch

Posted on by

pio_01

With lovely spring colors and a unique vertical design, the Piou birdhouse make for an interesting outdoor decoration as well as a comfortable home for your feathered friends. Each is skillfully made from ceramic and plastic and features two distinct color options, green and orange, to vibrantly accent your outdoor space.

Designer: Martin Chapuy

pio_02

pio_03

pio_04

pio_05

Not Strictly For the Birds

Posted on by

XD Design’s Tweet Birdhouse and Hoot Bird-feeder go claw-in-claw to create a happy environment for feathered friends! Minimalistic and easy to maintain, they’re an ideal addition to any bird-lover’s garden. Mount either from any branch or housing exterior- then, simply unscrew the bottom of the house for quick annual cleaning and add seed to the feeder from the top to keep em’ coming back for more.

Designer: XD Design

-
Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design!
(Not Strictly For the Birds was originally posted on Yanko Design)

Related posts:

  1. birds Birds BIRDS!
  2. Even Birds Are Going Green
  3. Birds Have Better Homes Than We do