Zebra Finch Totem

Sketch by Richard Hassell

Type of Totem:

Corporate Totem

Target Species:

Zebra Finch and other small hole-nesting birds

Location:

26 Cairns Street, Brisbane, Australia

Story:

This Eco-Active Totem is designed to provide a home for Zebra Finches and other small cavity-nesting birds. The design is inspired by the seed pods and leaf forms of the Banksia plant, capturing the geometry and texture of this iconic Australian flora to create a structure that blends naturally into the environment.

Many small bird species, including the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata), rely on natural hollows, sheltered crevices, or dense foliage to build their nests. These nesting opportunities are increasingly scarce due to habitat loss, urbanisation, and competition with invasive species.

The Eco-Active Totem replicates the protective conditions of natural tree hollows, providing a secure, shaded, and weather-resistant space for small birds to raise their young. It is suitable for use in gardens, nature reserves, and urban parks where biodiversity support is needed.

Images by @tess_poyner and @linwwilson from left to right.

The Australian Zebra Finch has the most extensive mainland distribution of any Australian estrildid species. It is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions, preferring areas near water sources or locations where rainwater collects after falling. Despite its preference for dry environments, it adapts well to cultivated areas and agricultural landscapes.

While the species is usually found in lowland coastal areas on islands, it can also move to elevations up to 2,300 metres (7,500 feet) to take advantage of expanding grasslands and farmland. This adaptability makes it an ideal candidate for habitat enhancement projects using artificial nesting structures like the Eco-Active Totem.

In Singapore, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) is another small cavity-nesting bird that can benefit from this totem. Easily recognised by its chestnut cap, black cheek patch, and white collar, it is a familiar presence in parks and gardens. Often nesting in roof gaps or tree holes, this species has seen local declines due to habitat change and competition from aggressive birds like mynas and pigeons.

Key Design Features

• 50mm Entry Hole: Sized to suit small cavity-nesting birds like Zebra Finches and Eurasian Tree Sparrows, offering insulated, enclosed spaces for safe nesting.

• Integrated Sun Shading: Provides passive cooling during hot summer months, helping regulate temperature inside the nesting chamber.

• Predator Baffles: Strategically placed at the lower portion of the structure, these prevent access from climbing predators such as cats or monitor lizards.

• Planter Base: The base features integrated planters, when filled with soil and native vegetation, help stabilize the totem while supporting local flora and insect life. The soil acts as a natural counterweight, anchoring the structure against wind and external forces.

Each Totem protects wild habitat through a donation to a wilderness conservation charity. A donation matching this Totem's cost will contribute to preserving Zebra Finch 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