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Egg-Shaped Gathering Space Overlooking Flamingo Habitats

Authors:
Congyue Zhou, Xuanxiang Chen, Chenghai Hu
Egg-Shaped Gathering Space Overlooking Flamingo Habitats

Project in-detail

The egg-shaped visitor center offers a unique vantage point for observing flamingos while incorporating sunken gathering spaces and a spiral ramp that enhances accessibility, serving as an educational hub focused on wildlife and the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flamingo observation balcony integrated into the design.
02
Spiral ramp enhances accessibility for all visitors.
03
Sunken gathering area fosters community engagement.
04
Egg-shaped interior promotes a unique spatial experience.
05
Two dedicated platforms for birdwatching are included.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center is located in the rich ecological landscape of Abu Dhabi. It serves as a space for education and observation, allowing visitors to connect with the local birdlife. The design aims to fit harmoniously within its surroundings. The building has a low profile that allows it to blend in while still engaging visitors with the vibrant landscape.

Access and Circulation

Visitors are greeted by a long spiral ramp that leads to the entrance. This ramp is designed for ease of access, making it welcoming for all. It not only serves as a pathway but also enhances the overall experience as it guides people to the main areas of the center.

Interior Layout

Inside, the visitor center features a central sunken area that can be used for various activities such as meetings, lectures, and exhibitions. This design promotes a sense of community and encourages visitors to interact with one another. Essential services like the information desk, exhibition walls, a café, and restrooms surround this space, ensuring that visitors have everything they need close at hand.

Viewing Platforms

A large balcony is a prominent feature of the design, offering wide views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for watching flamingos and other wildlife. This balcony not only adds to the visual appeal but also strengthens the connection between visitors and nature.

Environmental Considerations

The design process took important environmental factors into account. The size of the building was determined based on its intended use. The architectural form was softened to help it blend with the natural surroundings. There are also two special platforms created for birdwatching, encouraging visitors to appreciate the diverse wildlife in the area.

Attention to the arrangement of spaces, paired with a focus on visitor accessibility, results in a practical and engaging center. The balcony draws the eye and invites guests to take in the rich wildlife that thrives just beyond the building, enhancing their overall experience with the natural world.

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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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