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Cross Ventilated Shell Structure in Precast Concrete for Visitor Engagement

Authors:
Amal Aga, Hiba Ghori, Navaneeth K s, Prabha Karan
Cross Ventilated Shell Structure in Precast Concrete for Visitor Engagement

Project in-detail

A shell structure enhanced by the golden ratio and designed for optimal cross ventilation utilizes precast concrete to create a visitor center that fosters community engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Shell structure enhances natural airflow and daylight.
02
Golden ratio principles guide the building’s proportions.
03
Integration of a public terrace fosters outdoor community interactions.
04
Use of precast concrete panels allows for efficient construction.
05
Fragmented design elements create visual connections with nature.

The Flamingo Visitor Center is located in a natural area designed to support visitor engagement by providing information and services. With a focus on sustainability and functionality, the center's layout maximizes space efficiency while housing a car park, information center, visitor center, and terrace. The overall design is based on a shell structure that combines visual interest with environmental performance.

Site Organization

The site consists of four main zones, each serving a specific purpose. The car park accommodates vehicles, while the information center offers essential services to visitors. The visitor center features interactive exhibits designed to educate and entertain. Additionally, the terrace provides an outdoor space for social interactions and relaxation. This clear organization allows visitors to move smoothly between areas while fostering a sense of community.

Architectural Concept

At the heart of the design is the shell structure, which serves both as a functional element and a conceptual foundation. The use of the golden ratio informs the proportions and layout, creating a visually pleasing arrangement. This approach draws inspiration from architectural history while maintaining modern sensibilities. The fragmented forms of the building create see-through elements that connect the interior spaces with the outside environment, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Material Consideration

One key material choice includes precast concrete panels. These panels are known for their strength and aesthetic flexibility. Their use contributes to the building's durability while also allowing for quicker construction due to prefabrication methods. Such choices minimize construction waste and support sustainable building practices. The solid weight of the concrete offers a sense of stability, ensuring the structure remains resilient against the elements.

Design Details

Spatial organization includes important functional areas such as an information center with a reception, a waiting area, and a gift shop located on the ground floor for ease of access. The public terrace encourages outdoor activities that foster social interaction, helping the center function as a community hub. Large openings in the fragmented design let in natural light, creating a pleasant atmosphere inside. The way light plays across the concrete surfaces adds a dynamic quality, making the Flamingo Visitor Center an inviting destination.

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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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