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A Sustainable Visitor Center Inspired by Wetland Ecology

Authors:
Sarah Mousavi, Ainaz Babaki, Hamidreza Malekian, Hosna Gharini
A Sustainable Visitor Center Inspired by Wetland Ecology
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The use of a bamboo framework and a polycarbonate canopy effectively merges structural integrity with environmental sensitivity, creating an educational center that emphasizes wetland conservation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced bamboo, enhancing sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.
02
Utilizes a polycarbonate canopy to maximize natural light while providing protection from the elements.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting and graywater recycling systems to promote efficient resource management.
04
Features an exhibition space dedicated to local wildlife and wetland conservation efforts.
05
Designed with natural ventilation strategies, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

The Crimson Wing Visitor Center is a conceptual proposal located in the Al Wathba Wetland area, designed to promote ecological awareness and conservation. The center serves as an educational platform for visitors, highlighting the importance of wetland ecosystems and fostering a connection between humans and nature. The design integrates with the landscape, employing local materials and advanced sustainability features to minimize environmental impact.

Function Arrangements

The building's primary function is to educate and engage visitors. It houses exhibition spaces, a café, and areas for social interaction, all organized in a manner that encourages movement and exploration. The use of large glass panels and an undulating bamboo roof creates an open and inviting atmosphere, allowing natural light to flood the interior while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands. This spatial arrangement enhances visitor experience by establishing a direct visual and physical connection with the environment.

Material Selection

Bamboo is not only a sustainable resource but also adaptable to the local climate, providing structural support and aesthetic appeal. The combination of bamboo with polycarbonate panels further highlights the project's focus on natural materials while allowing for creative architectural expressions that mimic the surrounding landscape. The building's roof design captures solar energy efficiently, integrated with photovoltaic systems that contribute to its energy independence.

Sustainable Features

The center exemplifies passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation and optimal solar orientation. These elements demonstrably reduce energy consumption, aligning with the overall goal of sustainability. Additionally, features such as rainwater harvesting and graywater recycling systems reinforce the center's commitment to responsible resource management, making it a model for eco-friendly architecture.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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