Built-in nest boxes & built-in facilities

Built-in nest boxes can be incorporated into the masonry, cavity wall, facade insulation, facade timberwork or roof edge. Once installed, they are barely visible, they last as long as the building itself and require no maintenance. That is why they are the solution for nature-inclusive building: in new construction, renovation and sustainability projects, and as permanent compensation when existing nesting sites for swifts, house sparrows or bats are lost.

In this collection you will find built-in facilities from Unitura and Schwegler, almost all made of sustainable wood concrete. For the products, dimension drawings, factsheets and specification texts are available to download, so architects, contractors and ecologists can get straight to work.

Choose by animal species

Built-in boxes for swifts: high up on the facade, with a narrow entrance.
Built-in boxes for house sparrows: suitable for colonies, to be placed in groups side by side.
Built-in bat boxes: from single boxes to modular maternity and winter roosts.
Starling, black redstart, butterflies and solitary bees.

What to consider for built-in installations?

Installation depth: check the cavity wall or insulation thickness. There are boxes for narrow cavity walls (1950s and 1960s) and special renovation boxes that protrude partly from the facade.
Height and orientation: swifts require a minimum height of 4 to 5 metres, house sparrows 3 to 6 metres. Choose a north- or east-facing facade or place the box in the shade of an overhang.
Finishing: place the box flush with the facade. If it protrudes, provide a small roof to prevent water from entering the facade.
Quantities: for compensation, a guideline of several replacement roosts per lost nesting site often applies. Combine species in a single row on the facade.

Permanent or temporary?

During demolition or renovation, you often first provide temporary freestanding boxes nearby, so animals can relocate until the permanent built-in facilities in the new or renovated building are ready. Do animals need to be humanely removed from a building first? Then take a look at our materials for deterrence and making buildings nature-friendly.

Project with larger quantities? We are happy to advise on delivery, planning and a RAL colour of your choice. Request a quote.