Mechanical Martin House
Lendlease Collaboration Project
software used:
the premise
the client
In Chicago’s South Loop along the banks of the Chicago River, the architecture firm Lendlease was constructing three residential buildings, all sitting on a property that had a small park and riverwalk. LendLease wanted this recreational area to also serve as a relaxing space for residents to enjoy the local nature, especially the birds. Because of this, the task was to create a uniquely designed birdhouse for the feathered friends.
In Chicago’s South Loop along the banks of the Chicago River, the architecture firm Lendlease was constructing three residential buildings, all sitting on a property that had a small park and riverwalk. LendLease wanted this recreational area to also serve as a relaxing space for residents to enjoy the local nature, especially the birds. Because of this, the task was to create a uniquely designed birdhouse for the feathered friends.
the guidelines
This project was completed as a pair, two design students on one bird house. The aim was to design the birdhouse for the Purple Martin species of bird, who are social birds that prefer to nest in large flocks. Along with this, we were required to use the material Corian® as the primary material of the birdhouse.
This project was completed as a pair, two design students on one bird house. The aim was to design the birdhouse for the Purple Martin species of bird, who are social birds that prefer to nest in large flocks. Along with this, we were required to use the material Corian® as the primary material of the birdhouse.
material study
Corian® is a countertop material manufacted by DuPont that’s made of acrylic resin and natural minerals. It’s a cost efficient alternative to a typical stone countertop that can come in similar patterns and colors to stone counters. Its downside as a countertop material is its susceptibility to scratches and heat damage.
While Corian® is a very rigid material, we did learn that it can be thermoformed, typically with a high heat oven and a vacuum former, and while we didn’t have access to any of that machinery, we felt that we could still figure a way around that.
species study
Purple Martins are the largest swallow in North America, a very social species of bird that loves to nest in large groups. Many people, mainly in the eastern United States, enjoy putting up large birdhouse structures that are primarily for this species of bird. Because of their social nature, birdhouses usually have 6 housings for them at the minimum, all within a couple of inches of one another. Most Purple Martin houses are gourd shaped because the birds are naturally attracted to gourds, so making a somewhat gourd shaped structure, while not necessary, would be more utilized by the birds.
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