Curva began as an open-ended exploration between Zac Feltoon Design and CortZen to design a modern bird feeder using Corten steel, CortZen’s primary material. Without a prescribed form or specific market brief, the project became an investigation into the essence of what a bird feeder could be. The design reduces the object to a simple relationship between two concentric planes. The geometry establishes a rigorous order that contrasts with the organic character of a contemporary garden. Rather than compete with that environment, Curva is intended to feel like a destination, not a distraction.

The circular form keeps the bird at the center of the experience. Supporting the seed tray from its center allows birds to approach from any direction, while the open volume beneath the roof frames the bird without obstructing their visibility. While the design may appear simple at first, details like the proportion of the roof that extends slightly beyond the tray to create an eave that protects the seed from rain, and concealed drainage slots that allow water to escape from the tray, employ subtle design decisions that offer significant usefulness and practicality.

Although the essential silhouette was established early, the proportions were refined through repeated paper studies, CAD iterations, and 3D-printed prototypes. Roof and tray diameters, tray and floor heights, overall height, and the space between the two profiles were continually adjusted until the composition felt resolved. As the design matured, its functionality expanded without introducing unnecessary visible complexity. Curva can hang from a hook or mount to a pole, either through a separate flange or directly over a 1-inch outside-diameter pole. A floating ring placed around the central mast conceals the mounting slots while allowing the flange hardware to be installed and providing a barrier that keeps seed from escaping through the floor. The hanging loop can be removed when pole-mounted, preserving the streamlined character of the design.

Every visible detail was considered in the same spirit. The 2 mm Corten steel components are laser-cut, rolled or formed, assembled, welded, and finished by hand. Welds are strategically concealed within the construction, including beneath the tray, while the roof’s perimeter band adds structural rigidity and controlled visual weight.

Corten is integral to the design. Curva whips with a basic patina that continues to darken and develop visual depth outdoors over time. Against that changing material surface, the deliberately elemental geometry remains constant.

The result is a feeder that feels resolved without being overworked: a precise architectural object whose functional complexity is largely hidden within a restrained formal language.

Manufacturer: CortZen
Manufacturing Location: China
Material: Corten Steel
Dimensions: ≈ 8” High, ≈ 12” in Diameter
Assembly & Installation Guide