Article: The Bee Brick: building habitat for solitary bees Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Design (IJSDES) 2022 Vol.4 No.3/4 pp.285 - 304 Abstract: 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. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: The Bee Brick: building habitat for solitary bees

Authors: Kate Christman; Rosalind Shaw; Laura Hodsdon

Addresses: Falmouth University, Woodlane, Falmouth, TR11 4RH, Cornwall, UK ' University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, Cornwall, UK ' Falmouth University, Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn TR10 9FE, Cornwall, UK Falmouth University, UK

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: design; sustainable design; product design; biomimicry; biodiversity; solitary bees; wildlife; nesting; construction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSDES.2022.128532

International Journal of Sustainable Design, 2022 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.285 - 304

Accepted: 16 Feb 2022
Published online: 25 Jan 2023 *

Title: The Bee Brick: building habitat for solitary bees

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