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Cantilevered Roof Garden Overlooking Desert Wetlands

Author:
Liqiang Huang
Cantilevered Roof Garden Overlooking Desert Wetlands
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A cantilevered roof garden provides a visual connection to the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, enhancing the visitor experience at the Flamingo Observation Gallery while seamlessly integrating with the desert landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A cantilevered upper box creates dynamic outdoor viewing platforms.
02
Concrete walls provide structural support for service areas.
03
Large windows frame views of the surrounding wetland.
04
A roof garden promotes biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
05
The design integrates multiple levels for enhanced visitor engagement.

OASSIS is located in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and aims to enhance visitor experiences while connecting them to the natural environment. Centered around the Flamingo Observation Gallery, the design embodies the theme of a Garden in the Desert, blending the area's beauty with a carefully designed built space.

Site Circulation

Visitors are first welcomed by a large desert garden that encourages engagement. Pathways lead them to the main entrance, accessed by two prominent staircases. This layout not only helps people navigate the site but also invites them to interact with the landscape right from the beginning, bridging the gap between nature and architecture.

Massing and Structure

The building's massing features three parallel square boxes of the same length, topped by a cantilevered upper box. This arrangement creates visual interest while defining various functional areas within the structure. Supporting service programs, three concrete walls form the central box, while the outer boxes are constructed using a steel framework. These choices improve both the strength and versatility of the building.

Interior Layout and Experience

Inside, the layout is designed to maximize views, enabling visitors to appreciate the surrounding landscape. The coffee area provides cozy views of the desert, while framed glimpses of the wetland are offered through nearby plants. The second floor serves as the main platform for exhibitions and observations, focusing on education and interaction. A central staircase connects to the third floor, encouraging further exploration and offering additional communal spaces.

Sustainability Features

A significant element of the design is the roof garden, which adds to the overall look and promotes environmental sustainability. This feature not only makes the building visually appealing but also supports local wildlife and integrates the construction into its natural context. Thoughtfully designed details show dedication to ecological responsibility.

Above the main entrance, large windows provide expansive views of the wetland. This design choice allows natural light to fill the space while creating a strong connection between the interior and the landscape outside.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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