LIRO

What it does

LIRO is a portable educational butterfly house that allows students to observe the butterfly life cycle and release them into their habitat, promoting active learning while supporting ecosystem recovery through pollinator conservation.

Your inspiration

In school environments where environmental education was limited, an opportunity emerged to actively connect students with biodiversity. The loss of pollinators such as butterflies sparked the need to create a tool that would link conservation and learning. This is how LIRO was born—a design-driven response aimed at raising awareness from within the classroom, promoting the care of species, and contributing to the restoration of ecosystems through their responsible breeding and release.

How it works

LIRO is designed to be integrated into the classroom as an educational tool. Its modular, lightweight, and easy-to-assemble structure allows for transport and adaptation to different spaces. It functions as a controlled ecosystem where students can observe the entire life cycle of butterflies—from egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, to release. The design, made with recyclable wood, metal mesh, and reusable plastics, reinforces its sustainability, while its production optimizes resources and reduces environmental impact. It incorporates transparent surfaces for observation, ventilation sections, and compartments for host and nectar-producing plants. It is complemented by illustrated guides and immersive experiences that enhance learning. LIRO not only educates but also contributes to the real conservation of species through responsible breeding and release.

Design process

It began with a research phase focused on the decline of pollinators, where environmental and educational issues were identified—leading to the proposal of a portable butterfly house as a solution. A formal design exploration followed, inspired by biomimicry and taking the shapes and patterns of butterflies as reference. Design criteria such as portability, safety, visibility, and classroom adaptability were established. Through co-creation workshops with teachers and students, several prototype iterations were developed. The first, made of cardboard, allowed for the evaluation of dimensions, accessibility, and assembly. The second, built with MDF and acrylic, included ergonomic improvements, better visibility, and functional compartments. The final model was constructed with the necessary adjustments. Complementary educational resources were also integrated, such as an illustrated guide and a virtual reality experience. Each stage was refined through feedback from real users, adjusting the design to achieve an effective, sustainable, and educational solution.

How it is different

LIRO stands out as more than just a butterfly house—it's a comprehensive educational tool that combines design, sustainability, and immersive experience. Unlike similar devices, it goes beyond passive observation by enabling direct interaction with the butterfly life cycle, encouraging their release and contributing to ecosystem restoration. Its modular, portable, and adaptable design makes it uniquely suited for educational settings. Moreover, LIRO has a forward-thinking approach: it has the potential to scale into broader architectural proposals such as living classrooms, environmental labs, or pollinator gardens, serving as a starting point for transformative educational experiences.

Future plans

The goal is to introduce LIRO in both rural and urban schools, adapting it to the specific needs of each region. It will be a consolidated product with the capacity for continuous improvement, and its educational ecosystem will be enriched through the incorporation of diverse experiences that enhance learning. In the long term, LIRO will evolve into a living element (using biomaterials) within classrooms and other learning environments such as interactive museums and ecological parks. It will remain in constant development, positioning itself as a key component in promoting conservation and ecological regeneration.

Awards

Nominated for the National RAD Design Awards 2025, Colombia. Nominated for the XXIII Lápiz de Acero Awards 2025 in the Product Design NT category, Colombia.