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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
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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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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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