Traditional Building and Wildlife – The European Hornet Nest Case in Toutosa

In the rural village of Toutosa, Northern Portugal, traditional architecture and wildlife coexist harmoniously. This chapter explores this relationship through the case study of a European hornet nest built within an unused chimney of a traditional dwelling. The study examines the benefits and risks associated with such nesting, discussing the design implications for sustainable building rehabilitation and biomimicry. The traditional buildings of Toutosa, characterized by their use of natural materials like stone, timber, and earth-based plasters, provide ideal conditions for wildlife nesting. The chapter delves into the architectural features of these buildings, such as chimneys, balconies, and timber elements, which facilitate interactions with local fauna. The European hornet nest, studied in detail, showcases complex architecture and sophisticated engineering solutions, highlighting the potential of traditional buildings to support wildlife habitats. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of considering wildlife in rural building rehabilitation and the potential for bio-inclusive design in sustainable construction.