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Elevated Platforms and Raw Concrete Embrace the Wetland Habitat

Authors:
Wael Al-masri, Ahmad Al-jawhary, Mohmad Al-qarout, Yousef Ghaith
Elevated Platforms and Raw Concrete Embrace the Wetland Habitat

Project in-detail

Elevated platforms crafted from raw concrete create a dialogue with the surrounding wetland habitat, enhancing accessibility and environmental education within the visitor center.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fragmented building masses enhance transparency and connectivity with the surrounding wetland.
02
Elevated structures provide clear views of the natural landscape and facilitate outdoor activities.
03
Artistic references to local wildlife are integrated into the landscaping design.
04
The layout maximizes natural ventilation through open spaces between fragments.
05
Materials used include raw concrete, weathering steel, natural wood, and rough stone.

The design integrates with its natural environment, situated within a delicate wetland landscape. It functions as a visitor center, enhancing public understanding of the local ecosystem while providing essential amenities for education and interaction. The overall concept revolves around the fragmentation of building masses, which reduces visual and physical impact, allowing architecture to coexist with the surrounding habitat.

Fragmentation of Building Masses

Fragmentation is a key feature of the design, where multiple smaller components are placed throughout the site. Instead of a single large structure, these distinct forms create a lighter presence. This approach promotes transparency and encourages engagement with the natural landscape. As visitors move between the various elements, they experience a sense of exploration and a stronger connection to their environment.

Juxtaposition of Components

The arrangement of building elements is designed to maximize views of the adjacent nature reserve. By placing the structures at different angles, a dynamic composition emerges. This not only enhances visual interest but also encourages movement through the site. Each path offers a unique perspective, making the experience of the space more engaging and immersive.

Elevation and Accessibility

Elevated structures and floating platforms play a significant role in the design. Indoor areas primarily occupy the upper levels, freeing the ground floor for outdoor activities, exhibitions, and circulation. This elevation offers clear vistas of the surrounding landscape while ensuring accessibility for all users. The design fosters a welcoming atmosphere, promoting interaction between visitors and the wetlands below.

Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability informs many aspects of the design. Various passive strategies are employed to reduce energy consumption and improve environmental performance. Open spaces created by the fragmented arrangement enhance natural ventilation. Additionally, shaded areas and green roofs help maintain ecological balance. This attention to airflow and energy efficiency highlights a commitment to responsible building practices.

The project uses raw concrete, weathering steel, natural wood, and rough stone as its primary materials. These choices support a connection to the landscape, providing textural contrasts that engage visitors. The materials reinforce the relationship between the buildings and their habitat, inviting people to explore and appreciate both the architecture and the natural surroundings.

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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

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