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Circular Design With Passive Cooling and Sustainable Materials for Wildlife Conservation Center

Author:
Mee leng Yeo
Circular Design With Passive Cooling and Sustainable Materials for Wildlife Conservation Center

Project in-detail

Circular forms and environmentally responsive materials come together in this visitor center designed to educate the public about wetland conservation and support wildlife preservation efforts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular layout encourages natural airflow and passive cooling.
02
Integration of solar panels enhances renewable energy use.
03
Central courtyard promotes interaction with native vegetation.
04
Elevated viewing platforms maximize wildlife observation opportunities.
05
Use of locally sourced materials reduces environmental impact.
The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center is situated in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, UAE, and serves as an educational hub aimed at conservation and wildlife awareness. Designed to enhance visitor engagement with the unique ecosystem of the wetlands, the architecture integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, fostering a deeper understanding of the Greater Flamingo population and the overall biodiversity of the area.

The building's circular form is a deliberate design choice that symbolizes harmony with nature, while the central courtyard creates a direct connection between indoor and outdoor environments. This layout encourages natural light penetration and cross-ventilation, which are essential in the region's arid climate. The visitor center includes various functional spaces such as a gift shop, café, educational displays, and viewing platforms, all tailored to enhance the visitor experience.

Unique Sustainability Features
The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center distinguishes itself through multiple sustainable design features. The architectural approach prioritizes natural climate control with elements such as shade from strategically placed date palm trees that help moderate ambient temperatures. The use of water evaporation from a central pond also plays a key role in cooling the surrounding area, effectively promoting a more comfortable microclimate.

Materials selected for the project support sustainability and functionality. Monolithic concrete provides a reliable foundation, while lightweight aluminium trusses aid in reducing structural load. The insulated metal decking contributes to thermal efficiency, and the integration of solar panels enhances energy independence.

Adaptive Use of Space
The architectural design incorporates flexible spaces that allow for multifunctional use, thereby maximizing the utility of each area within the center. The main foyer serves as a central hub for visitor orientation, guiding guests towards various amenities. The layout ensures efficient visitor flow, minimizing congestion while allowing for an immersive experience in the surrounding natural habitat.

The viewing platforms are particularly noteworthy, offering panoramic vistas of the wetlands that encourage wildlife observation and photography. This interaction with the environment is integral to the center's mission of promoting ecological awareness.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural design and functionality, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that illustrate the project’s commitment to sustainability and visitor engagement.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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