Designed to meet the needs of migratory birds like the tree swallow, Trove is a birdhouse that provides an elegant fixture to any tree or backyard. Manufactured from recycled molded pulp treated with waterproofed coating, it is intended for seasonal use and designed to be easily composted at the end of the nesting season.
The common depiction of a “birdhouse” tend to look like the ones seen in the pictures above. Angled roof, rectangular base - the design of birdhouses are often based on human houses to make them more attractive to birds, but why is that so?
With each nesting season, birdhouses can accumulate debris such as nesting material, feathers, and feces, which can harbor bacteria and parasites. Cleaning it is not pleasant, and presents a biohazard to humans. Are there ways to make cleaning easier? Can the birdhouse be made differently?
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With the questions in mind, sketches were developed to explore possible solutions. Birdhouses with automated cleaning? Detachable birdhouse with a disposable casing? Fully disposable birdhouse?!?!
Inspiration for this bird house came from both geometric and organic forms. Effort was made to create a birdhouse that mimic the natural/manmade environment it would be installed at while providing adequate area for nesting. Material exploration into paper pulp molds proved interesting.
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Working along with sketches, mockups and prototypes were made to explore different forms and sizes, methods of secure mounting as well as packaging.
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In the process of exploring forms and methods of manufacturing, I came across a molded fibre pulp as a cheap, fully compostable material of choice.
Research into molded pulp manufacturing techniques, waterproofing, and consulting professionals with experience in the development of EcoLogic's molded bottle lead to the final design of the birdhouse.
The paper pulp material was explored through found samples and creation of paper pulp prototypes with various additives.
Creating a looks like model of the final product, a block of high-density polyurethane foam was CNC machined according to the CAD data developed.
The machined bodies were then cut out, sanded smooth, and spray painted to resemble the textures of molded pulp.
The two halves are adhered together and mounted on to a FDM printed mount.
