Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Wall Integration in a Nature-Centric Educational Hub

Author:
Hatoon Aljubali
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Wall Integration in a Nature-Centric Educational Hub

Project in-detail

Integrating charred wooden shingles with expansive glass walls, the design serves as an educational hub that immerses visitors in the vibrant ecosystem of flamingos and their habitat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance fire resistance while creating a visually appealing exterior.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
04
Includes interactive exhibits that utilize virtual reality to simulate flamingo habitats.
05
Strategically positioned glass walls maximize natural light and promote connection with the environment.
The Flamingo Visitor Center is an architectural project designed to enhance engagement with the natural environment while offering informative experiences about flamingos and their ecosystems. Positioned near a lake, the center serves as both an educational facility and a community gathering space, effectively bridging the gap between nature and architecture. The design philosophy revolves around the life cycle of the flamingo, with spaces that promote understanding of its habitat, behaviors, and ecological significance.

This project represents an intersection of sustainability and educational outreach. By focusing on the interconnectedness of various natural elements, such as water bodies and fauna, the center aims to educate visitors about the vital roles these components play in the ecosystem. The architecture is intended to evoke a sense of place, providing visitors with an immersive experience that deepens their appreciation for the flamingo and its environment.

Functionally, the Flamingo Visitor Center includes a variety of spaces tailored to meet the needs of its visitors. Exhibition areas are central to the design, offering interactive displays and learning zones that provide information on the flamingo’s lifecycle and habitat. These educational components are complemented by a restaurant and lounge area that overlooks the serene lake, inviting visitors to relax and reflect on their experience. The piazza serves as a gathering point, accommodating community events and facilitating social interaction.

The spatial organization has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the visitor experience. Pathways intuitively guide visitors through the center, linking exhibition spaces while fostering a flow that encourages exploration. The tourist and educational paths strategically highlight various informative stations, ensuring that each step taken offers new insights and opportunities for discovery. Virtual reality stations offer an innovative way for visitors to interact with the exhibits, simulating the flamingo’s daily activities and enriching the educational narrative.

The materiality of the Flamingo Visitor Center is carefully considered to reflect both the aesthetic values and functional requirements of the project. Expanses of glass are used extensively to create a strong visual connection with the surrounding landscape, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces. The structural elements feature concrete, which provides durability and stability, while local timber is incorporated into finishes to instill warmth and a sense of local identity. The landscaping integrates native plant species, reinforcing the biodiversity theme and enhancing the ecological context of the center.

A distinguishing aspect of this project is its emphasis on sustainability. Features that maximize natural ventilation and lighting contribute to energy efficiency and minimize the building's ecological footprint. This focus on using resources responsibly not only serves practical purposes but also communicates a larger message about environmental stewardship. By fostering awareness of sustainable practices, the Flamingo Visitor Center aims to inspire visitors to take an active role in conservation efforts.

The design of the Flamingo Visitor Center exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architecture, nature, and education. It creates a space that enhances community engagement through public programming and offers visitors a deeper understanding of the flamingo’s role within its ecosystem. The project stands as a model of how architectural design can reflect and promote environmental consciousness while serving as an informative and enjoyable space for the public. To gain further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy