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Elevated Observation Spaces with Precast Panels and SMARTA Glass in a Nature Reserve Center

Authors:
Sara M. al moghrabi, Sham M. khaytie, Diana H. fatooh
Elevated Observation Spaces with Precast Panels and SMARTA Glass in a Nature Reserve Center

Project in-detail

With elevated observation points and integrated pathways, the visitor center utilizes precast panels and SMARTA glass to create a space that enhances wildlife observation while promoting ecological education in a nature reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
Visitor center features integrated pathways that connect the interior to the surrounding landscape.
02
Elevated design minimizes excavation impact on the local ecosystem.
03
Café offers direct views of an adjacent flamingo lake for wildlife observation.
04
Precast concrete panels are used for structural stability and energy efficiency.
05
SMARTA glass enhances natural light while maintaining environmental performance.

"PARALLELISM | TAʼALOF" is located within a nature reserve and is designed to provide an engaging experience while prioritizing ecological awareness and habitat conservation. The design uses a rectangular form that follows the natural lines of the land, connecting thoughtfully with its surroundings. The main purpose of the structure is to serve as a visitor center, where people can learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.

Design Concept

The building’s shape is simple and effective, creating links between indoor and outdoor spaces. By elevating the structure, it enhances opportunities for wildlife observation while ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment. This approach protects the landscape and preserves the local ecology, allowing visitors to appreciate nature more fully.

Integration with Nature

The project incorporates a pre-existing track that guides visitors from the reserve into the building. This pathway is not just functional; it invites an experience where visitors feel connected to the landscape. By integrating the track into the building’s design, the layout encourages movement and interaction with both natural and constructed environments.

Visitor Interaction

On the eastern side, a café offers views of a flamingo lake, providing a chance for visitors to observe wildlife comfortably. This design decision blends leisure with learning, allowing guests to appreciate the local ecosystem. Inside the visitor center, a skylight creates a bright and open atmosphere, inviting exploration of the space and its views of the outdoors.

Material Use

The structure uses precast concrete panels for durability, while SMARTA M50 glass is implemented in the façade for energy efficiency. The landscape features various native plants such as palm trees, Sidr trees, and flower bushes, promoting the area's biodiversity. Different pavement materials, including grass tiles and oak light wooden flooring, enhance the connection between inside and out, creating a unified experience for visitors.

The careful attention to features like the observation areas and integrated paths underlines a commitment to enhancing visitor engagement with nature. The design presents a modern approach to interacting with the environment, making it suitable for sensitive ecological settings.

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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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