Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Drought-Resistant Grasses and Concrete Panels Shaping a Nature-Focused Visitor Center

Author:
Yasmeen Jumah
Drought-Resistant Grasses and Concrete Panels Shaping a Nature-Focused Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Inspired by the anatomy of birds, the facility utilizes concrete panels and drought-resistant grasses to create a visitor center that fosters a deep connection with the surrounding ecology.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by bird anatomy, the design features two distinct masses representing bird wings.
02
The building incorporates a green roof that supports local biodiversity and assists in stormwater management.
03
Drought-resistant grasses are utilized to minimize water usage and maintenance in the desert climate.
04
Public spaces are strategically placed to encourage interaction and engagement with the surrounding nature.
05
Concrete panels allow for visual integration with the landscape while maintaining functional durability.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center is located in an ecological landscape that invites visitors to connect with nature. It emphasizes the local bird population and serves as both an educational hub and a recreational space. The design is inspired by the shape of birds, particularly their wings. This concept manifests through two main building forms linked by a central corridor that guides movement throughout the facility.

Design Concept
The structure takes on the form of two masses, symbolizing bird wings. Connected by a dynamic corridor, this design encourages visitors to move fluidly between various spaces. It prioritizes the experience of being in nature, integrating the building into its ecosystem. The thoughtful layout supports the idea that architecture can enhance one’s appreciation of the natural world.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the visitor center is organized to promote interaction and exploration. The ground floor includes a plaza, a fountain, and areas for dining and shopping, while also featuring an internal garden and a community garden. This arrangement allows visitors to easily navigate between spaces, encouraging them to enjoy leisure and learning in a natural setting.

Sustainable Features
A green roof plays an essential role in the design. It slopes gently into the surrounding landscape and is planted with drought-resistant grasses. This feature helps manage rainwater and contributes to regulating temperatures around the building. Elevated above a landscaped area, the structure’s mass is designed to minimize visual impact, allowing the environment to remain a focal point.

Visitor Engagement
The layout includes balconies, terraces, and seating areas that take advantage of scenic views. These spaces are designed to bring people closer to their surroundings, making it easier to appreciate the local ecology. The exterior features concrete panels that blend with the landscape, providing an inviting environment for all who visit.

The design elements come together to create a location where nature and architecture coexist harmoniously, fostering an atmosphere of engagement and learning.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy