The Bee Brick: building habitat for solitary bees

Christman, Kate ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3960-9908 and Hodsdon, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0817-4852 (2023) The Bee Brick: building habitat for solitary bees. International Journal of Sustainable Design, Vol.4 (No.3/4). pp. 285-304. ISSN 1743-8284

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Abstract / Summary

This article describes the process of designing the Bee Brick - a novel solution for integrating solitary bee habitats within buildings. Of the 250 species of bee in the UK, 90% are solitary bees of which 5% nest in cavities. Bees are key pollinators; this product provides nesting habitats for bees in suburban/urban communities. Existing bee nesting products tend to be ornamental and marketed by aesthetic considerations. Mainstream construction materials' primary function is to perform as structural components within the fabric of new buildings. These materials have been taken as a starting point to create habitat for bees displaced by the construction process. The Bee Brick provides a nesting site for solitary bees, adapting and rethinking how existing building components are used. Made using locally sourced recycled materials, it offers the dual function of being a construction material that also promotes biodiversity.

Item Type:	Article
ISSN:	1743-8284
eISSN:	1743-8292
Subjects:	Communication > Graphic Design
Courses by Department:	The School of Communication > Graphic Design
Depositing User:	Kate Christman
Date Deposited:	22 Feb 2023 16:34
Last Modified:	23 Nov 2023 19:12
URI:	https://repository.falmouth.ac.uk/id/eprint/4864

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