Protective Wing: Bird sanctuary in Chiang Mai will serve as both an educational facility and bird rehabilitation center to reduce the devastating effects of bird trafficking on the survival of endangered wildlife in Thailand. Designer Architectkidd has fabricated a “Bird Hut” shelter that serves as both an exhibition display at a national architecture convention and a prototype for the larger structures to be built on the bird sanctuary site.

The “Bird Hut” structure is built using palm oil seed husks, a plentiful agricultural waste in the region. The natural fibers offer thermal and acoustic insulation, and the dense surface creates hidden spaces for birds as well as their food sources to inhabit. The 2.5m conical hut includes a metal structure that supports the natural palm fiber surface. Visitors to the bird hut can use the structure as a bird-watching shelter by prying apart the fibers to create a viewing window.

As part of their ongoing research on the project, Architectkidd has explored dyeing techniques as an alternative to coloring agent for building materials. Dyed in indigo blue, the result is a rich variation in blue tones due to the varied absorption of the dye into the natural fibers. The confined spaces of the construction provide an intimate experience for both human and bird visitors: positioning architecture as a form of openness/protection, a method of disguise/communication, and as an expressive/introverted body.

The “Bird Hut” and project illustrations were exhibited at the Association of Siamese Architects annual convention in April/May 2015.