3D Solitary Bee nesting lodge nominated for award

The Irish Bee Conservation Project (IBCP) have been nominated for a MTU Innovation Award for its 3D Printable Bee Lodge.

A collaboration between the IBCP, and CO-LAB, part of Cork’s Centre for Architectural Education resulted in the accessible and sustainable design of a 3D printable bee lodge.

The Bee Lodge was specifically designed for cavity nesting, solitary bees. In Ireland there are approximately 80 solitary bees and cavity nesting bees would commonly lay their eggs in hollow stems or old masonry walls. However, these habitats and natural nesting sites are being lost.

The 3D printable egg laying lodge was designed after much discussion between IBCP’s Pat Deasy and architectural student Anja Kossi. The lodge serves as a safe site for cavity nesting bees and as a pollinator awareness raising tool.

3D printing machines are now available in many schools and libraries making this innovation, achievable, accessible and importantly a proactive measure for biodiversity for individuals and community groups. The downloadable design is available on the Irish Bee Conservation Project’s website ibcp.ie/3d-print-a-bee-lodge.

IBCP’s Habitat Team lead Tony Varian expressed how important working with centres of excellence was as part of the IBCP strategy, stating that “the IBCP maintain their strong dedication to working with centres of excellence, including schools and universities such as University College Cork, Munster Technological University and other educational organisations”.

The Irish Bee Conservation Project was set up in 2019 and aims to protect and conserve Ireland’s native bee species and their habitats. They are guided by pillars of strength which include broad population education, bee friendly community activities, research in partnership and an inclusive outreach programme.

The IBCP is a voluntarily led organisation with charitable status, with a board of management, small staff team and dedicated volunteers.