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Circular Concrete Design Emphasizing Landscape Views and Equilibrium

Authors:
Pablo Schaelchli, Alberto Fernández gonzález
Circular Concrete Design Emphasizing Landscape Views and Equilibrium

Project in-detail

Constructed with concrete plates and a central column, this circular structure provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the Abu Dhabi landscape while emphasizing accessibility and enhancing visitor interaction through its thoughtfully organized facilities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with large concrete plates for structural integrity.
02
Features a central column that supports perimeter tensile elements.
03
Emphasizes gradual slopes for improved accessibility.
04
Inclusive design offers multiple vantage points for visitors.
05
Central atrium enhances natural light and air circulation.

Lagoon View is located in the vast desert landscape of Abu Dhabi. The design features a circular structure built from large concrete plates with a central support column. From this column, tensile elements extend to the perimeter columns. This layout allows for clear 360-degree views of the surrounding area, ensuring that every visitor can enjoy the landscape fully.

Design and Functional Organization

The layout of Lagoon View promotes accessibility through its gradual slopes, making it easy for individuals with reduced mobility to navigate. By organizing the space into circular segments, the design provides different viewpoints, inviting exploration and engagement with the environment. Each section enhances visitors' experiences, allowing an appreciation of the landscape from various angles.

Principle of Equilibrium

The concept of equilibrium is central to the design. Inspired by the way flamingos balance on one leg, this idea is expressed through the use of open spaces and voids, especially in the central atrium. This void not only aids air circulation but also lets in natural light, creating a sense of balance and openness. The resulting flow of movement through the space fosters a calm atmosphere for visitors, encouraging them to connect with their surroundings.

Facilities and User Interaction

Lagoon View includes several facilities designed to meet the needs of visitors. These consist of a covered terrace, information center, gift shop, waiting area, display area, training room, café, and water features. The arrangement of these spaces supports a natural connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The structure emphasizes transparency, allowing users to interact freely with nature and enhancing the overall experience.

Structural elements such as the central column and concrete plates provide both functionality and aesthetic qualities. As visitors walk through Lagoon View, they encounter a variety of interactions that highlight the relationship between architecture and the landscape. This careful design creates a space that encourages appreciation of the natural environment while being practical for all who visit.

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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
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