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Cement Board and Light Gauge Structure Overlooking Wathba Wetland

Authors:
Tigran Kostandyan, Ali Al saqban
Cement Board and Light Gauge Structure Overlooking Wathba Wetland

Project in-detail

Flared periscopes crafted from cement board and light gauge steel offer expansive views of the Wathba Wetland, enhancing visitor engagement while ensuring accessibility in a carefully designed observation tower.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flared periscopes provide multiple elevated viewing angles of the wetland.
02
Constructed with cement board for weather isolation and durability.
03
Light gauge steel framework contributes to a lightweight structure.
04
Boardwalk system facilitates smooth circulation for all users.
05
Designed to minimize environmental disruption during installation.

The Flamingo Observation Tower is an architectural landmark located in the Wathba Wetland, designed to improve the relationship between visitors and their natural surroundings. Its main goal is to offer elevated views of the unique wildlife that inhabits the area. The tower features a design concept that emphasizes varied perspectives through a series of periscopes. Standing at a height of 12 meters, the structure creates a sculptural form that provides shelter while allowing users to engage with the landscape from multiple angles.

Design Concept

The design incorporates periscopes aimed at the four cardinal directions, offering visitors the opportunity to observe the wetland from various viewpoints. This arrangement not only deepens the connection between people and the environment but also showcases the area’s ecological diversity. The flowing lines of the tower’s shape reflect the natural contours of the landscape, resulting in a contemporary form that integrates well with its surroundings.

Accessibility Features

A key aspect of the tower is the boardwalk system, which utilizes mid-sized concrete modules. This layout allows for smooth circulation across the site, with gentle bends and turns. The design meets accessibility standards, making it easy for all visitors to navigate the area, including those with mobility challenges. The boardwalk promotes a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experiences the tower offers.

Material Selection

The structure is supported by a light gauge steel framework, providing both strength and a lightweight appearance. Cement board is used to protect internal areas from external weather conditions, while glass reinforced concrete panels enhance the structure’s durability and aesthetics. These materials were chosen for their functional properties, ensuring that the observation point remains sturdy and withstands the elements over time.

The periscopes, constructed off-site to limit disruption to the environment, will be carefully integrated into the tower during construction. This focus on detail not only highlights a commitment to preserving the wetland’s ecological balance but also supports an engaging experience for visitors as they connect with the unique habitat of Wathba Wetland.

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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

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competition now

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