Raise the Roost: Chicken Coop Design Contest

Urban chicken ranching is gaining popularity in urban settings like Seattle. So, it only makes sense that coop architecture is also of growing interest.

Architects Without Borders (1201 Alaskan Way, Suite 200; Seattle; 425.200.4395), Architecture for Humanity and Seattle Tilth invite you to design and build a chicken coop for an urban residential garden that integrates creativity, functionality and the innovative use of low-cost, reclaimed materials.

The motive of the contest backers is sustainably simple: Raising chickens for eggs can be a lifeline where affordable, healthy food is difficult to access. Caring for chickens provides valuable educational opportunities for children and adults alike to connect to where food comes from while inspiring self-sufficiency. Chickens are low cost to maintain and can also provide the nutrients needed for an entire vegetable garden to thrive.

Celebrity judges include Molly Moon, of Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream Shop, Becky Teagarden, of Seattle Times' Northwest Magazine, and Cheryl Waters, of KEXP radio. Entry fees benefit Seattle Youth Garden Works.

Online entries are due 6/29 and coop delivery by 7/13. Or, just take in the winning coop results at a free event on Saturday, 7/14, 4-6 p.m., at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands, 5513 S Cloverdale St. 

For more info: http://awb-seattle.org/raisetheroost