Existing Wildlife Homes and Materials
RSPB
- standard 'house' shaped boxes are common
- made from FSC timber so is sustainable
- thick timber makes them well insulated
- use non toxic preservatives
- no decoration so there is nothing for predators to latch onto
- use of coloured stain on the roofs creates a nice contrast between this and the wood in the design. The use of the green colours continues the natural look within the design
- etching a design into the wood (in this case a bird) allows decoration to be added without anything being added to the box
- The apex shaped box is compact and an interesting form
- willow nest boxes work well in simulating a natural nesting site
- diamond shapes create a compact design whilst the pointed bottom creates more of a cup shape for the birds to create their nests in
- terracotta is an interesting material to work with as this can be formed into a variety of shapes and doesn't have any chemicals so won't be bad for the birds
National Trust
- different wood types create contrast within a design making elements visually different despite using the same raw material
- the diagonally cut angles within the batbox create a modern geometric design whilst still being functional
- willow as a material is effective in replicating a birds natural nesting habits, whilst the use of this natural material is sustainable and non harmful to the birds
- combining both cut wooden aspects and a section of log within the design creates a contrast between the two materials and makes the log look more refined through the addition of the wood ontop.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
- these bee block have a dual function of providing a home for solitary bees as well as acting as a planter for flowers which will give the bees food. This makes it more likely for bees to be drawn to the bee box and therefore make a home their if they know food is around.
- their availability in different sizes means they are functional for different spaces
- the teardrop shape is more of a natural form, with its curved bottom simulating the more curved shape of a nest.
- creating the sides out of thin wooden pieces creates a contemporary finish, whilst still using natural materials
RHS
- ceramic bird boxes allow different glazes and colours to be used on the outside which would allow for different designs to be created on their surfaces
- once fired this would be sealed and their would be no danger to the birds, whilst the surface would be easily cleaned
- using a square for the bird box is more contemporary whilst the use of the angular panels within the design creates a more industrial and modern aesthetic to the bird box
- terracotta would be a versatile material to use as different forms could be made whilst still having a natural aesthetic
- modelling the bird feeder makes it ore of a decorative piece for the garden whilst still being functional for the birds.
- having the feeder on a stand means it is elevated off the ground away from predators
- the use of the hexagonal shape for the bee boxes plays on the idea of a bee hive linking the products shape to the wildlife it is helping.
- the hexagonal shape is modular so the design can be added to to create a large scale decorative piece for the garden
- the geometric forms of the bee blocks means they can be stacked and made a feature of within the garden.
- making them out of concrete gives them an industrial aesthetic which is modern and refined, whilst still being functional for wildlife
- the symmetry within the bug box creates a more refined and modern feel to the design
- the use of wooden partitions within the design allows natural elements to be placed within but still look ordered within the design.
Other
- as a collective theses bug house look really strong together, the use of different materials within each one creates contrast, whilst the arrangement of the materials within the space creates natural geometric shapes within the design
- the use of the wood and gloss finish on the top creates a juxtaposition between materials
- the addition of the sedum wall gives the box a more natural feel whilst allowing it to blend in more within a garden environment
- the use of simple geometric forms within the designs create a refined, minimal and contemporary aesthetic to the bird boxes
- the use of both natural and industrial materials creates juxtaposition within the design
- the use of ceramic as a material within some designs allows more intricate designs to be created
- the muted tones of these ceramic bird boxes contrast against a garden environment however have a natural tone to them.
- having them on rope allows the design to be placed in trees off the ground which is safer for the birds and mimics how birds would naturally nest in trees
- hanging the design also allows people to observe whether birds are using the boxes, however at times potentially they would be quite exposed particularly when the wind is blowing they would move around along which could put off birds from using them
- the simple egg shape effectively reflects the purpose of the box and links it back to the birds
- the curved shape creates a more organic appearance which would sit well within a garden
- half glazing the bird box allows contrast to be created between this and the raw ceramic tone creating a modern and refined feel to the design
https://shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/garden-outdoor/birds-wildlife/wildlife-habitats.html
https://www.ywtshop.org.uk/product-category/garden/wildlife-homes/
https://www.rhsplants.co.uk/products/_/wildlife/bird-houses/plcid.770/plcid.834/
https://www.rhsplants.co.uk/products/_/wildlife/plcid.770/
https://www.marthastewart.com/1509266/these-modern-birdhouses-are-modeled-iconic-architects
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHZL_enGB734GB734&biw=1536&bih=674&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=RrmPXOecB-OtrgSaioTYCQ&q=bug+boxes&oq=bug+boxes&gs_l=img.3..0j0i8i30j0i24l4.93902.95778..95896...0.0..0.261.964.6j2j1......1....1..gws-wiz-img.......0i67j0i3j0i131j0i5i30.Q-btXEcn1XQ#imgrc=_
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHZL_enGB734GB734&biw=1536&bih=674&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=prmPXODHM9GvrgTYyJaQDw&q=butterfly+homes&oq=butterfly+homes&gs_l=img.3..0j0i8i30j0i24l8.132297.138488..138622...2.0..3.100.1790.20j1......2....1..gws-wiz-img.....0..0i5i30j0i67j0i3j0i131j0i131i67.w9INjpVoMh4#imgrc=_
https://www.google.com/search?q=bird+box+design&rlz=1C1CHZL_enGB734GB734&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj6hMu27pzhAhWWShUIHepABgIQ_AUIDigB&biw=1522&bih=712
https://www.made.com/roost-hanging-bird-box-large-sand
https://www.google.com/search?q=bee+home&rlz=1C1CHZL_enGB734GB734&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjjva3z75zhAhVuRxUIHUZXA40Q_AUIDigB&biw=1522&bih=663
https://www.google.com/search?q=bug+boxes&rlz=1C1CHZL_enGB734GB734&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj91eaS8JzhAhW7ShUIHbWXAZUQ_AUIDigB&biw=1522&bih=663
https://www.made.com/kiwi-earthenware-reactive-glaze-bird-box-blue
