Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Elevated Observation Structure Crafted from Steel and Timber for Enhanced Wildlife Engagement

Authors:
Misak Terzibasiyan, Leila Haase, Emily O'brien, Valeria Pavia
Elevated Observation Structure Crafted from Steel and Timber for Enhanced Wildlife Engagement

Project in-detail

Crafted from a delicate balance of steel and timber, this observation tower provides an elevated perch for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant wildlife of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observation tower features a unique bent A-frame design, enhancing both structural integrity and visual appeal.
02
Constructed with a steel frame and wooden decking, the structure integrates sustainability with modern engineering techniques.
03
Glass balustrades provide unobstructed views while ensuring safety for all visitors at various heights.
04
The design includes ramps that promote accessibility, accommodating individuals with mobility challenges throughout the wetlands.
05
Modular elements allow for future expansions, ensuring adaptability to the growing needs of the visitor experience.
The Flamingo Observation Tower is a thoughtfully designed architectural project situated within the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. This structure embodies a connection between the natural environment and human activity, serving as a dedicated space for visitors to observe and engage with the unique wildlife that inhabits this ecological area. The tower's primary function is to provide an elevated vantage point, allowing individuals to appreciate the beauty of the wetlands and its avian residents, particularly the flamingos that frequent the site.

The project represents a synthesis of architecture and nature, where the design transcends mere functionality to become an integral part of the landscape. The observation tower encourages visitors to explore and appreciate the ecological significance of the wetlands while ensuring accessibility for all. The careful placement of the tower within the reserve allows it to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, enhancing the visitor's experience without disturbing the fragile ecosystem.

In terms of design, the tower features a lightweight, airy structure that is primarily supported by slender steel columns, which provide the necessary strength while maintaining an unobtrusive profile. This thoughtful choice of materials contributes to the tower’s overall aesthetic, evoking the elegance of the flamingos it intends to celebrate. Additionally, glass balustrades are incorporated throughout the design, ensuring that visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the wetland while being safely protected.

The project includes carefully considered elements such as ramps that lead to various viewing platforms. These ramps are designed to be accessible, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to experience the tower fully. Such inclusivity aligns with contemporary architectural principles that prioritize user experience and connectivity. As visitors ascend through the structure, they encounter transformative views that encourage them to pause and engage with both the architecture and the environment.

Moreover, the integration of a wooden decking system not only adds warmth to the design but also reinforces a natural aesthetic that resonates with the surrounding wetland setting. The use of sustainable materials, like timber, highlights the project's commitment to ecological responsibility. Additionally, the design allows for future modular expansions, ensuring the tower can evolve alongside the needs of its community and the ecological landscape.

The unique approach taken in the conceptualization of the Flamingo Observation Tower emphasizes fluidity and adaptability. It successfully marries aesthetics with functionality, creating a space that encourages exploration and interaction. The interplay of light and shadow across the structure throughout the day further enriches the visitor experience, allowing for a continuously evolving architectural narrative. This project stands as a model of how architecture can foster a greater appreciation of the environment while providing a practical and engaging space for the public.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas will provide further insights into the design thought process and execution. The Flamingo Observation Tower is not just a structure; it is an invitation to observe, reflect, and connect with nature.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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