Blue Box is a birdhouse designed specifically for the needs of an eastern bluebird. This project was created during the first half of my sophomore year attending Pratt Institute.
Blue Box
For the eastern bluebird.
The birdhouse is research-backed in prioritizing the eastern bluebird. The size, shape, and placement of the hole is preferred by the species.
Similarly, the design is research-backed in keeping out common pest species. The small base prevents house sparrows from nesting, while the height from the entrance prevents european starlings from nesting.
Flat package.
The birdhouse pieces are modular, able to be shipped flat and assembled by the consumer. The instructions are simple- place the dowels in the top and base- completed in less than a minute.
This simple flat-pack process is able to happen by use of clever assembly methods taken from multiple sources. Inspired by bookbinding and the Japanese stab binding, the main housing is completed with a decoratively sewn fabric. The top is completed by emulating a scoring and bending technique often used with chipboard modeling.
Sustainable materials.
The birdhouse is fully biodegradable and made from renewable materials- no plastic, metal, chemical adhesives, or damaging finishes.
A thick linen canvas bound with linen thread make up the body, waterproofed with a beeswax. The base and top consist of cedar, a hearty and available wood. The pieces are put together using bamboo skewers, a fast growing and available material. Wheat paste is used as an adhesive between the two parts that make up the top.
Package design.
The package is itself designed with the same priorities of sustainable materials, sewing instead of adhesives, and recognizable, minimal branding.
The packaging communicates the simple assembly instructions to the consumer.
The box is opened with a pull tab- no glue or tape to rip. This makes opening the package more accessible to those with dexterity issues.
