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Elevated Platforms of Floating Concrete Enhancing Wildlife Observation

Authors:
Alexander Lagaaij, Bas Muilwijk
Elevated Platforms of Floating Concrete Enhancing Wildlife Observation

Project in-detail

Constructed with floating concrete and featuring locking stepstones, the elevated platforms create a unique vantage point for observing flamingoes in their natural habitat, enhancing visitor engagement with the local ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with floating concrete to minimize visual impact.
02
Incorporates locking stepstones for guided visitor movement.
03
Features elevated platforms offering unobstructed marshland views.
04
Designed to enhance interaction with the local ecosystem.
05
Serves as an educational resource for wildlife observation.

The Flamingoes Observation Tower in Al Wathba serves as a platform for observing wildlife, particularly flamingoes, in their natural setting. Designed to enhance visitor engagement with the environment, it reflects a vision of connecting architecture to nature. The tower allows people to experience and appreciate the local ecosystem, making it an educational space that promotes understanding and observation.

Design Concept

At its core, the design emphasizes a close relationship with the environment. The tower’s structure is thoughtfully planned to respect its surroundings. It carefully considers how visitors will move and view the landscape, enhancing both accessibility and engagement. The aim is to create a space where visitors feel part of the natural world rather than separate from it.

Material Selection

Light or floating concrete is a distinctive aspect of the tower’s design. This material allows for a lighter appearance, which reduces the tower’s visual weight on the landscape. Its use aligns with a commitment to sustainability, seeking to lessen the environmental impact typically associated with larger structures. The choice of material supports not only the architectural integrity but also a visual connection to the surrounding area.

User Experience

The design includes locking stepstones that guide visitors throughout the site. These elements encourage movement while emphasizing interaction with the natural habitat. They ensure that as people explore, they remain engaged with the environment around them. Visitors are invited to discover various vantage points and learn more about the ecosystem.

The tower features elevated platforms, granting clear views of the marshlands. This design allows visitors to immerse themselves in the scenery and appreciate the beauty of the local wildlife. The arrangement fosters a deep sense of connection to the environment, highlighting the importance of preserving and understanding the natural world.

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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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