Bush Cradle

Habitat features like hollows, logs and rocky crevices are being removed from the Australian landscape due to destructive human activity. Research suggests this complex habitat cannot naturally replenish at a rate necessary for the survival of threatened native animals. Tree hollows, critical for the survival of many arboreal species, take hundreds of years to form naturally.In line with the insights of consulted ecologists, constructing new habitat is essential, but it is only effective if it can be custom made for targeted species.Currently, conservationists lack the tools to create organic, tailored solutions on scale, stunting efforts against extinction.

Bush Cradle answers this challenge by providing the pieces to build unique, bio-receptive shelters with just a single system.Addressing the flaws of current ‘one size fit all’ solutions, 4 forms slot together to create diverse structures. From ground dens with multiple entrances and chambers to compact tree hollows, the variability needed by conservationists can be expressed. Made from fibrous hempcrete and utilising a novel slotting mechanism, the solution is both naturally derived and accessible to install without any tools.The viability of the system was first tested when native ringtail possums were filmed seeking shelter in the product overnight.

Bush Cradle could facilitate improved native animal survival outcomes across Australia and beyond.Researchers have important data about what makes functional habitat (entrance hole size, internal den dimensions, etc) and could now have the ability to express this knowledge rapidly.Where the correct habitat for an animal is unknown, the system empowers researchers to test and modify different arrangements without having to put a new product into circulation.Like building blocks for the environment, Bush Cradle introduces creativity to conservation and could empower greater agency and interaction between the public and their local ecosystem.

To mirror the insulating properties of old growth wood, Bush Cradle tiles are cast with fibrous hempcrete, ensuring a natural and non-invasive interaction between the product, animal and environment. A bush proof material, hempcrete displays biodegradability, outdoor durability, mould resistance, moisture resistance and flame resistance whilst remaining light and breathable. Being a non-standardised material, Hempcrete is difficult to reproduce in defined shapes. Bush Cradle employs a unique casting process to give the material controlled geometry.3D printed frames sit inside corresponding printed moulds. The dense nature of hempcrete allows it to be packed inside the mould and cure to a rigid, specified form.The internal frames form the structural lattice to ensure strength and longevity of the system. As agreed by consulted ecologists, a balance between natural materials and longevity must be found to ensure prolonged impact over a long product lifespan. Piecing together with a novel slot and pin mechanism, all tiles can be structurally joined and taken apart without the need for hand tools for accessibility of installation. Arrangements can be capped off with laser-cut wooden entrance holes. These allow the shape and size of the entrance to be highly specified - critical for the targeting of certain species.