The Crested Haven

A conceptual avian sanctuary designed specifically for the cardinal, thoughtfully balancing ecological care with architectural form. The project explores how intentional design can support species-specific needs while creating a quiet, sculptural presence within the built environment.

Subject Furniture

Type School Project

Duration 5 weeks

Primary User:

Northern Cardinal

Residential Users:

Homeowners & backyard habitats

Educational Users:

Northern Cardinal

Many birdhouses prioritize decoration over avian behavior.
Research on cardinal needs informed a design focused on openness, visibility, easy cleaning, and perch-friendly geometry.

Research

Material choices and form work together to support openness, visibility, and durability—prioritizing cardinal behavior while maintaining architectural clarity.

Design Intent

Form Development

Cardboard Low-Fidelity

Quickly tested scale + proportions to lock the core silhouette

Plywood Mid-Fidelity

Dialed in structural logic and improved the architectural presence

Initial Prototype

Tested buildability + real-world function, revealing final form adjustments.

Final Design Resolution

Orthographic Views

Isometric Overview

Materialized Render

This form study translates key anatomical features of the cardinal into architectural geometry. The upward crest, angular beak, layered feathers, and grounded stance informed the rooflines, openings, and structural supports. These decisions were refined through orthographic drawings and CAD modeling, establishing a clear connection between natural reference and constructed form.