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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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