As global butterfly populations decline, a design initiative called EggNest offers a creative, nature-inclusive solution for urban environments. Developed by Chaewon Lee, Zay Kim, and Jungmin Park, EggNest addresses the urgent need for pollinator habitats in cities by combining biodegradable materials with a modular design that integrates seamlessly into diverse urban landscapes.

A Material Innovation: Eggshells and Soil as Building Blocks

EggNest is constructed from a composite of crushed eggshells and soil—materials that are both natural and biodegradable. Eggshells, often discarded as waste, serve a dual purpose in this design: they protect life during the early stages of development and, once repurposed, provide a textured, grippy surface that supports butterflies’ ability to land and rest. The coarse, layered texture created during the grinding process offers a functional, tactile quality essential for butterflies to cling, even in windy conditions.

This bio-based material approach highlights the potential of waste streams—such as eggshells—as circular design resources. Once EggNest’s life cycle ends, the material can decompose naturally, reinforcing the concept of a closed-loop system where materials return safely to the earth.

Modular, Adaptive Design for Urban Landscapes

EggNest’s design is modular and stackable, allowing it to adapt to various terrains such as flat surfaces, sloped gardens, or rocky areas. The modules, shaped using a 3D printed mould, can be connected vertically or horizontally, forming a flexible structure that accommodates different urban contexts. Open gaps within the design allow wind, light, and plant life to flow through, creating a porous habitat that mimics natural environments.

This flexibility enables designers and planners to integrate EggNest into public spaces, parks, rooftops, or roadside verges, transforming underutilised areas into microhabitats for pollinators. The structure not only shelters butterflies but also supports the growth of flowers and moss, creating a small-scale ecosystem that nurtures biodiversity.

Butterflies as Ecological Indicators

Butterflies play a vital role in ecosystems as pollinators and bioindicators, reflecting the health of the environment. However, urban areas—characterised by heat, artificial lighting, and pollution—pose significant challenges to their survival. EggNest provides a refuge within the city, helping to mitigate these pressures by offering a safe space for butterflies to rest, feed, and breed.

By incorporating EggNest into the urban fabric, designers can support pollinator conservation while enhancing the aesthetic and ecological value of public spaces. The project exemplifies how biomimicry and sustainable material innovation can drive design solutions that contribute to a more resilient and biodiverse urban environment.

Source & Photos: Chaewon Lee, Zay Kim, and Jungmin Park on Behance