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Circular Cones and Wavy Canopies Enhancing Ecological Engagement in a Wetland Reserve

Authors:
Minghan Lin, Muyu Wu, Shuhan Liu
Circular Cones and Wavy Canopies Enhancing Ecological Engagement in a Wetland Reserve

Project in-detail

The design incorporates circular cones and a wavy canopy to enhance visitor engagement while seamlessly integrating the structure into a wetland reserve as an educational visitor center.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular cones mimic natural forms found in flamingo nests.
02
The wavy canopy creates shaded areas that enhance visitor engagement.
03
Semi-underground design minimizes visual impact on the landscape.
04
Paths are strategically placed to observe flamingo activities without disturbance.
05
The integration of local flora supports biodiversity within the site.

The Hidden Paradise is an architectural design that emphasizes the relationship between constructed spaces and the environment. Located in a wetland reserve, it seeks to educate visitors about local wildlife and the effects of human activity on nature. The concept revolves around a balance between architecture and landscape, focusing on user experience and ecological responsibility.

Form and Structure

The visitor center features a design influenced by flamingo nests, with partially underground elements that blend into the surrounding reed landscape. The building consists of circular cones that vary in height, which adds depth and variety to the space. A wavy canopy supported by slender columns enhances the overall appearance, creating an inviting shelter that mirrors the natural contours of the landscape.

Visitor Experience

Visitors start their journey in an underground information center, which guides them to a display area and training center. The experience culminates in a café that overlooks the wetland reserve. This gradual movement not only helps organize the functions of the building but also deepens the connection between visitors and their natural surroundings, fostering appreciation for the ecosystem.

Ecological Integration

The design prioritizes visibility of flamingo behaviors while ensuring that human activities do not disturb their natural habits. The placement of paths and viewing areas encourages coexistence between people and wildlife, allowing for meaningful observation. The landscape under the canopy provides both shade and habitat for local species, reinforcing the project’s aim to support ecological health.

The wavy form of the canopy serves as a prominent feature, providing shelter while creating engaging spaces for visitors. It captures the rhythm of the landscape, inviting people to pause and connect with nature in a thoughtful and unique environment.

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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
competition now

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