Origami Coop by Chris Mullaney

First time I read about this project, it reminds me of my final year thesis that I did in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 2008, which was about vertical coop for free range chickens. It was compelling exploring the need of architecture involvement in relations with chickens, at that time.

Izura's Thesis 2008

The origami coop project, draws my attention as it was constructed without any support of additional structure except by its own 'skin' and it looks elegant although it is just for chickens!

Through working with form and construction and a chance to put academic work into practice, the Origami Coop designed by Chris Mullaney in Stroud, Australia, sees the ubiquitous chicken coop as an opportunity for experiment.

Chris and the other three members, Matt Mullaney, Tim Mullaney and Nathan Moate, had set out to eliminate the framework found in a traditional build. Series of experiments have been done with folding standard steel mesh, resulting a self-supporting galvanised steel mesh coop that protects the chickens from foxes, snakes and other pests with a small plywood structure for the shelter and egg collection.

The pivot door mechanism was a bespoke element designed to maintain the gates non-structural role. Lubricated steel discs provide lateral stability for the gate and double nuts allow for easy removal and re-greasing. Large back door provide easy access for cleaning and the removal of plywood waste trays that are lined with straw to generate mulch for the adjacent vegetable gardens.

The design draws inspiration from folding paper to create structure and material efficiency. Basic building components were reduced to single sheets of plywood and galvanised steel mesh.

The brief also called for roll-away nesting boxes to simplify egg collection. Artificial turf is used on a shallow incline to facilitate the rolling of eggs. The collection trays employ galvanised steel mesh to cushion eggs and allow for easy inspection. Shade and rain protection is provided by a custom fly-roof made from folded aluminium flashing, designed to neatly interlock with the galvanised mesh structure.

via Archdaily

Origami Coop by Chris Mullaney

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