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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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