Recessed nest boxes: integrating biodiversity into buildings
France Nichoirs' recessed nest boxes are designed to be directly attached to masonry or integrated into the thickness of external thermal insulation (ETICS). Manufactured in Marchiennes (59), France, from lightweight AQUAPANEL® Outdoor Portland cement, they offer birds and bats a durable, non-combustible (fire rating A1), and perfectly discreet habitat. This range is aimed at both building professionals — request a quote for architects, developers, and facade specialists — and individuals keen to take concrete action for biodiversity.
A response to regulatory requirements
Energy renovation and facade insulation eliminate the natural cavities in which many protected species traditionally nested. Our recessed nest boxes provide a proven solution and benefit from European Technical Approval ETA-07/0173. Lightweight and easy to install thanks to the accessories provided, they integrate seamlessly into both new builds and rehabilitation projects. To properly size your project, consult our practical guide to nest box dimensions.
Nest boxes designed species by species
Each habitat is designed for the species it accommodates — chamber size, entrance hole diameter, insulation. Filter the range by species to quickly find the right model for your project.
For swifts
The NIDHIR1-AO single swift nest box and the NIDHIR2-AO double nest box welcome these aerial acrobats, loyal to their nesting sites. Since swifts like to nest in colonies, it is advisable to install several nest boxes side by side. Discover their fascinating way of life in our article Discovering the lords of the sky and the biology of swifts. Find all models for swifts.
For sparrows
A gregarious species in sharp urban decline, sparrows appreciate grouped housing: the MOINHOME1-AO single nest box and the MOINHOME3-AO triple nest box (three cabins) perfectly meet this need. To learn more about them, read about the different varieties of sparrows and browse the nest boxes for sparrows.
For tits
Valuable garden allies against caterpillars and aphids, tits are distinguished by the diameter of their entrance hole: 28 mm for the MESANBLE-AO blue tit nest box, 32 mm for the MESANCHAR-AO great tit nest box. Unlike swifts, they do not nest in colonies: space nest boxes 15 to 20 m apart. Learn more with the different varieties of tits and see the selection for tits.
For bats
True natural insecticides, bats consume thousands of insects every night. The BATHOME-AO bat roost can be recessed into a facade or ETICS, offering them a safe refuge. To go further, consult the different varieties of bats, the distribution of pipistrelles in France, or complement with a CHIROJOINT access duct from the accessories range.
High-quality materials
AQUAPANEL® Outdoor material, consisting of a Portland cement core reinforced with a fiberglass mesh on both sides, is non-combustible (Euroclass A1), extremely weather-resistant, and certified for eco-construction according to Rosenheim Institute criteria. Its low thermal conductivity and water vapor permeability ensure a stable internal temperature, much more favorable for the development of eggs and chicks than a traditional wooden nest box. This technical requirement guarantees the longevity of our recessed nest boxes for several decades.
Simple and quick installation, designed for professionals
Each nest box comes with its mounting accessories (galvanized brackets, fiberglass patch depending on the model) and, for some, a carrying handle. It can be fully glued or mechanically fixed to the masonry, and integrated into the insulation thickness during an ETICS installation. Thanks to their reduced weight and small footprint, these nest boxes facilitate installation at height and reduce labor time. Technical data sheets available for download on each product page detail recommended height, orientation, and clearance. Building professionals benefit from sliding scale prices based on quantities: request a quote.
Concrete action for protected species
Swifts, sparrows, tits, and bats are threatened by the disappearance of their nesting cavities during renovations and new constructions. Installing a recessed nest box is a durable and regulatory response to this challenge, while enhancing your building. Each species plays a key role in ecological balance — regulating insects, mosquitoes, and caterpillars. To learn more, our blog details the biology of swifts and the role of tits in the garden.
A comprehensive range for your facades
Beyond recessed models, France Nichoirs offers surface-mounted nest boxes to be installed on the surface, decorative Mod&Nature range architectural elements (pediments and cornices with integrated nest boxes) and a range of accessories (dropping boards, ducts). Each product sheet provides its downloadable technical data sheet. A construction or renovation project? Contact us for a quote with professional sliding scale prices and personalized technical support.
