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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
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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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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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