Cozy Coop
Objective: Design and create an "avian sanctuary" that fits both the functional needs of the user -the bird, specifically a Purple Martin- and the aesthetic needs of the consumer, the human.
Skills: sketching, laser-cutting, wood-working, steam-bending, crochet, sewing, Fusion 360 modeling
Materials: cherry wood, yarn, embroidery thread
Timeline: 5 weeks
Date: Spring '25
Market Availability
The Purple Martin houses on the market feel very industrial and bland. Even the ones that use a more natural gourd-shape still lack warmth and interest.
Inspiration
These inspiration photos focused on forms from nature, like the rounded shape of a gourd, and sectioned pieces of garlic. It also took inspiration from the panels and sense of warmth found in these lamps and woven birdhouses.
Sketches
Exploration
I wanted to use crochet in this project to create a structure that felt warm and cozy. I explored incorporating rigidity into crochet and settled on alternating wood and crochet panels.
Process
I used laser cutting and steam bending to shape the wood as desired. I used a single crochet stitch to create the tight crochet for these panels. I used cherry wood and an ivory yarn to keep a warm palette.
