Bat Condo Tower - Pinecrest Gardens, Miami Florida

B A T C O N D O T O W E R - Pinecrest Gardens

A 22' tall sculptural nesting structure composed of individually stacked levels intended to house the endangered Bonneted bat colonies and other native South Florida bats. Inspired by its setting in Pinecrest Gardens, the Bat Condo Tower is reminiscent of an abstracted tree silhouette, helping it to blend into the subtropical garden environment. Its gradient coloration, which is influenced by the exotic Jade vine, functions to reflect radiant heat during the day, keeping the interior of the structure at a milder temperature compared to its surroundings. At night, the lighter colors glow under moonlight acting as a beacon warding off predators.

The five nesting levels of tiered bat quarters, or condominiums, are connected together in a tower-like structure, held up and away from land-based predators by eight pressure treated supportive legs. Each leg is paired to another creating a strong yet visually light and open vertical support structure, providing ample flying space between and around the tower. Each condo space is designed to house a complete bat family, from young pairs to larger family units consisting of multiple females and offsprings. The design of the tower allows for all of these different kinds of family units to live together but separately from each other within a singular level.

The strategic placement of the tower puts it within a clear path of the garden lake where an abundance of insects concentrates at night. Easy access to the water source and the surrounding wide-open space encourages ample feeding within a close distance from their habitat.

Collaboration with ZOO Miami’s Bat Lab resulted in audio confirmation of bat activity on the site. Potential live cam coverage of the site is being discussed.