The Kākā’s Nest

Unbuilt

The Kākā’s Nest is an unbuilt concept for a dwelling inspired by the form and spirit of a bird’s nest, tucked within Wellington’s inner suburbs, yet immersed in dense native Aotearoa bush. Surrounded by Horoeka, Kahikatea, Tōtara and Mataī, the design imagines a retreat for lovers of birds and the life of the forest.

Rising from the ngahere (forest) floor, the structure becomes more treehouse than house. A central trunk guides movement upward, with each level orienting toward a unique view of the canopy and sky, mirroring the experience of climbing through the forest.

Rather than dominating the site, the architecture grows as part of it. The journey culminates at the nest: a sheltered perch for birdwatching, reflection, and immersion in the rhythms of the whenua.