Eagle Totem
Sketch by Richard Hassell
Type of Totem:
Civic Totem
Target Species:
White Bellied Sea Eagle and other Raptors
Location:
26 Cairns Street, Brisbane, Australia
Story:
This Eco-Active Totem is designed to provide a home for White-Bellied Sea Eagles and other raptors. Many eagles and other raptors are tempted to nest in communication masts and aerials. This Totem learns from this phenomenon and provides a custom-designed structure to suit their needs.
Images by @wildlife.in.sg and @tess_poyner from left to right.
Brisbane is home to several eagle species, including the Wedge-tailed Eagle and the White-Bellied Sea Eagle. The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey, known for its impressive wingspan and soaring flight. The White-Bellied Sea Eagle is commonly found along coastlines and inland wetlands, where it plays a vital role in the local ecosystem as an apex predator.
The Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus) is one of the most easily recognizable raptors in Singapore, with adults sporting bright rufous underparts and a contrasting white head and belly, superficially resembling the globally famous Bald Eagle. These birds are commonly seen in coastal areas, as well as inland forests, parks, and low-density urban estates near waterbodies. They typically build large platform nests of sticks in prominent forks of tall trees near water, on forested slopes, or occasionally on transmission towers. The Eagle Totem provides a suitable and safe base for nesting for the Brahminy Kite, as well as other breeding hawks, eagles, and kites found in Singapore.
Many eagles and other raptors are attracted to tall, man-made structures such as communication masts and aerials for nesting. While these sites offer height and vantage points, they often expose birds to dangers like disturbance, structural instability, and human interference.
This Totem mimics the ideal nesting platform, providing a stable, safe environment that encourages raptors to settle naturally. Its design accommodates the specific requirements of large birds, including ample space for nests.
Key Design Features
Custom Nesting Platform: A spacious and sturdy platform tailored to the size and nesting habits of White-Bellied Sea Eagles and similar raptors.
Height and Stability: Engineered to reach optimal heights using skyscraper walls maintains structural integrity in varying weather conditions, ensuring a secure home for nesting birds.
Predator and Disturbance Mitigation: With increased heights from tall buildings, it minimizes disturbance from humans and other animals, offering a safe haven during the critical breeding season.
Each Totem protects wild habitat through a donation to a wilderness conservation charity. A donation matching this Totem's cost will contribute to preserving White-Bellied Sea Eagle habitat in Queensland, managed by Bush Heritage Australia.
Sponsors:
Delta Australia Holdings
Having delivered one of Brisbane’s most celebrated buildings, Riparian Plaza, Delta Australia Holdings is proud to lead the team behind 26 Cairns Street Kangaroo Point.
Team:
Design: WOHA: Richard Hassell, Evanne Kok , Chong Siew Way, Lin Bolt
Ecology: bioSEA: Anuj Jain
Technology and Fabrication: Systmz: Ng Joo Kok, Sean Liew
Integrated Greenery: GWS Living: Zac Toh, Sylvia Toh