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Cooling Structures with Coral Stone and Palm Leaves for Ecological Engagement

Author:
Emre Demir
Cooling Structures with Coral Stone and Palm Leaves for Ecological Engagement

Project in-detail

Utilizing coral stone masonry and palm leaves, the visitor center integrates natural cooling methods and water management systems to create an engaging space that connects visitors with the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a gravity-based water cooling system to enhance thermal comfort.
02
Incorporates recycled water for surface cooling, reducing environmental impact.
03
Framed palm leaves create a connection with local vegetation and culture.
04
Designed with coral stone masonry for durability and aesthetic continuity.
05
Features extensive glass facades to maximize natural light and visibility.

The Flamingo Visitor Center is located in a landscape that encourages engagement with nature, serving as an important stop for visitors. Its design focuses on accessibility, featuring several entrances that allow easy access for all. The layout incorporates terraces and open spaces, inviting people to connect with the environment. The overall concept prioritizes functionality while seamlessly integrating sustainable practices.

Water Management

An important element of the design is the innovative water management system. The roof is equipped with a mechanism that sprays reused water to cool down the surface through evaporation. This method effectively addresses thermal comfort while enhancing sustainability. Excess water is collected in pools, reinforcing the center's ecological focus and reducing dependence on traditional cooling solutions.

Structural Integrity

The building showcases a balance between appearance and function. Framed palm leaves on the second floor create a visual link with the surrounding landscape. A wooden core skeleton supports the building, while steel supporters are used to prevent structural failure from tension. This careful design ensures the structure can handle significant loads while maintaining strength and visual appeal.

Cooling and Materials

Natural cooling is an essential part of the design, utilizing evaporation to improve comfort inside the center. Coral stone masonry adds both durability and texture. The stone walls are designed to support the roof and the wooden and palm product beams, creating a connection between shape and function. A main beam supports the glass facade, allowing for natural light and an inviting atmosphere.

The roof shell combines palm leaves and limecrete, demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly approaches. This combination highlights the project's goal of blending with the natural environment, resulting in a thoughtful structure that reflects its surroundings.

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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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