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Dynamic Façade With Transparent Aluminum and Limestone for Coastal Education Center

Author:
Sana Hajjar
Dynamic Façade With Transparent Aluminum and Limestone for Coastal Education Center

Project in-detail

A dynamic façade constructed from transparent aluminum and limestone reflects energy use while serving as a coastal educational center dedicated to marine life awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic façade changes color at night based on energy consumption.
02
Aquarium integrated into the ground floor enhances public education on marine life.
03
Exterior skin made of transparent aluminum offers strength and visual connection.
04
Limestone skeleton provides stability and connects to local geological history.
05
Design incorporates biomimicry, reflecting the forms of coral reefs.

The Coral Tower is located along Al-Cornish in Jeddah and aims to reflect the essence of coral reefs found in the nearby Red Sea. It draws inspiration from these underwater structures, highlighting their importance to marine life and the local environment. The design supports public engagement and education. The building features various spaces, including offices and communal areas, creating an inviting atmosphere that enhances interaction between the community and nature.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes the need for people to connect with the marine ecosystem. Public spaces have been integrated to encourage learning and interaction. On the ground floor, an aquarium displays local marine species, making it possible for visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of aquatic life. This approach encourages an understanding of the ecological significance of the Red Sea and the importance of preserving its natural habitats.

Material Use

Careful attention has been given to material selection to enhance both the structure and its environment. The outer skin is made from transparent aluminum, which is known for its strength and resistance to corrosion. This choice allows for a visual connection to the surroundings while ensuring the building's durability. Limestone is used for the skeleton, providing stability against coastal forces and creating a link to the area's geological history. Additionally, ETFE fabric contributes a lightweight, flexible quality that helps reduce the impacts of waves on the structure.

Dynamic Façade

A prominent feature of the Coral Tower is its dynamic façade, which changes colors at night based on energy usage. The building glows with vibrant colors when energy consumption is efficient, while excessive use causes it to appear white. This unique aspect highlights the importance of sustainability and the relationship between building operations and environmental responsibility.

The design embodies the natural forms of corals, blending functionality with a respect for the surrounding coastal landscape. Each detail contributes to a cohesive structure that invites exploration and fosters a deeper appreciation of marine ecosystems.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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