‘the birdhouse project’ by christian bermudez
costa rica-born, oslo-based designer christian bermudez has created ‘the birdhouse project’, a hybrid of street art
and functioning nesting place for the pied flycatcher (ficedula hypoleuca), a migrant bird that spends most of the year
in west aftrica. however, from april until september, when it is summer in europe and winter in africa, it heads north to norway.
and functioning nesting place for the pied flycatcher (ficedula hypoleuca), a migrant bird that spends most of the year
in west aftrica. however, from april until september, when it is summer in europe and winter in africa, it heads north to norway.
several specifications had to be met to ensure the birdhouse was suitable. material use, dimensions, porosity,
permeability and timeline were all factors which would affect the nesting of the flycatcher. the power lines
are an ideal place for the birdhouses since they hang at the same height at which the bird flies.
each unit measures H12 x W12 x L26 cm (H4.7 x W4.7 x L10 inches) and has a hole which is 3.2 cm (1.3 inches)
in diameter, large enough for the birds to fit while still providing shelter.
permeability and timeline were all factors which would affect the nesting of the flycatcher. the power lines
are an ideal place for the birdhouses since they hang at the same height at which the bird flies.
each unit measures H12 x W12 x L26 cm (H4.7 x W4.7 x L10 inches) and has a hole which is 3.2 cm (1.3 inches)
in diameter, large enough for the birds to fit while still providing shelter.
the soles of the shoes are detachable, allowing for the houses to be cleaned after the season is over.
a webcam is placed in one of the compartments, allowing for studies of the migrant bird. the project was declared
a success after a pair of flycatchers built a nest in one of the shoes.
a webcam is placed in one of the compartments, allowing for studies of the migrant bird. the project was declared
a success after a pair of flycatchers built a nest in one of the shoes.
functional for the birds while it adds to the urban landscape
a pied flycatcher departing from the birdhouse
a migratory bird perched on the opening
removable soles revealing a nest built by a pair of pied flycatchers
detail of the layers of wood
the stacked pieces of wood, already cut but not yet glued together
the pieces are held down with a clamp until the glue is dried
the sanding process
3D computer rendering diagram
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions’ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.
KEEP UP WITH OUR DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
birdhouses (41)
Jan 21, 2026
Nov 08, 2025
Sep 14, 2025
Sep 12, 2025
Dec 06, 2024
Jan 28, 2026as designboom evolves into a creative studio, designboom needs a lab senior editor to manage our branded and organic campaigns.
Jan 02, 2026each chair reflects an individual child’s input and imagination.
connections: +910
Dec 28, 2025the spiral structure follows principles of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to optimize heat distribution.
connections: 95
Dec 17, 2025from 3D printed coral reefs to eggshell composite butterfly nests, designboom looks back at the top 10 social impact stories that defined 2025.
connections: 23
