Mammal and Bird Reservoir in Luxembourg

Deep within the protected forests of Luxembourg, the Mammal and Bird Reservoir, designed by the architectural firm Temperaturas Extremas, represents a pioneering approach to integrating infrastructure with ecological stewardship. This project not only serves as a functional water reservoir but also acts as a refuge for local wildlife, embodying a ‘more than human’ design ethos that prioritizes biodiversity alongside essential urban infrastructure.

Ecological Context and Design Philosophy

Nestled within the Natura 2000 network, a vital European conservation initiative, the reservoir is strategically located to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings. The design team, led by architects Atxu Amann, Andrés Cánovas, and Nicolás Maruri, won a competition to create this structure, which stands 50 meters tall and has a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters of drinking water. Their approach emphasizes sustainability and circular economy principles, aiming to give back to the ecology rather than merely extracting resources from it.

Architectural Features

The reservoir consists of two distinct volumes constructed from a combination of materials including concrete, steel, and wood:

- Volume One: This section features a rough prefabricated concrete exterior that incorporates nesting spaces for swallows at various heights and orientations. At its peak, it includes a specially designed nesting area for peregrine falcons.

- Volume Two: Clad in cork for thermal insulation, this volume is enveloped in untreated larch wood that facilitates seasonal bird nesting and provides habitats for bats. The design mimics the natural forms of trees, allowing the structure to integrate into the forest environment over time.

Biodiversity Integration

The architects collaborated closely with ornithologists and naturalists to ensure that the design meets the needs of local fauna. This cooperation informed decisions regarding nesting features, surface treatments, and habitat arrangements. The project includes:

- A grid of swallow nests integrated into the concrete structure.

- Bat roosts located strategically within the wooden façade.

- Rainwater collection systems that enhance sustainable water management while benefiting both human and non-human inhabitants

Sustainable Practices

The reservoir's design reflects a deep understanding of natural cycles. It incorporates:

- Rammed earth pavements at ground level that support its earthy surroundings.

- A green roof that extends the forest floor above, enhancing ecological effects.

- A permeable metallic skin that protects the infrastructure from intrusion while allowing it to breathe

The Mammal and Bird Reservoir not only fulfills its role as an essential piece of urban infrastructure but also serves as a model for future projects aimed at enhancing biodiversity within built environments. By prioritizing ecological needs alongside human functions, this architectural endeavor highlights the responsibility architects have towards fostering a harmonious relationship between nature and urban development. As stated by the design team, one of the key challenges in contemporary architecture is to "give back to nature part of what was taken from it," thereby increasing the planet's natural capital

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