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Abstraction of Sadu Weaving and Pink Accents Overlooking Wetlands

Authors:
Laura-india Garinois, Marwan Omar
Abstraction of Sadu Weaving and Pink Accents Overlooking Wetlands

Project in-detail

An abstracted Sadu weaving pattern wraps around a tower designed for panoramic views of the wetlands, combining environmental shading strategies with cultural heritage to serve as an observation point for local flamingo populations.
5 key facts about this project
01
An abstracted Sadu weaving pattern is integrated into the tower’s structural beam design.
02
Three distinct observation decks maximize views across varying elevations.
03
Shading elements are precisely positioned based on detailed solar analysis.
04
The tower’s form is optimized through a variety of geometric design explorations.
05
Materials selected account for environmental camouflage and bird visibility.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Tower is located in the distinctive ecological landscape of Abu Dhabi. Designed to function as an observation point, it also aims to honor the area’s cultural heritage. The design concept connects traditional elements with modern features, drawing inspiration from Qasr al-Hosn, an important historical building in the city. This connection provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the local context and enhances their experience of the natural environment.

Cultural Integration

The structure highlights the Sadu weaving pattern, a craft deeply rooted in Bedouin culture. This pattern is adapted and woven into the tower's design, creating an artistic feature that maintains a practical role. By incorporating historical elements, the tower reflects the community’s heritage, serving as a bridge between the old and the new.

Environmental Considerations

The design takes into account the local climate, focusing on effective shading and thermal performance. Through detailed analysis of sunlight and heat, designers strategically placed elements to provide optimal cover from the sun. This careful planning improves comfort for users while ensuring that the building blends well with its surroundings.

Functional Layout

The tower features a tiered deck system that includes a ground-level deck accessible to all, a mid-tower observation area, and a rooftop deck for panoramic views. This arrangement enhances visibility and encourages interaction with the natural landscape. The roof underwent various design explorations, concluding that a cylindrical shape would best serve the project's goals for shading and usability.

Material Choices

Selection of materials such as wood, rope, and insulated light-painted steel were purposeful. These choices not only contribute to the building's aesthetic but also maintain durability and performance in the challenging climate. The combination of these materials allows the tower to coexist with its environment, supporting both function and form. The building stands as an example of a thoughtful approach to design that reflects cultural richness and environmental sensitivity.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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