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Elevated Space with Concrete Structure and Palm Leaves for Environmental Engagement

Authors:
Adrian camilo Mariño estepa, Jorge arturo Cortés gómez, Cristhian ricardo Sanchez calderon
Elevated Space with Concrete Structure and Palm Leaves for Environmental Engagement

Project in-detail

Constructed with a concrete frame and traditional palm leaves, the design elevates visitor engagement within the Al Wathba Wetland, serving as a hub for observation and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to enhance visual connection with the Al Wathba Wetland.
02
Incorporates a unique ramp system for unrestricted visitor flow.
03
Features an open floor that allows for unobstructed wildlife movement.
04
Utilizes locally sourced palm leaves for traditional ceiling design.
05
Includes a large southeastern opening for optimal natural observation.

The Al Wathba Nest project is situated in the Al Wathba Wetland, a vibrant ecological area celebrated for its diverse birdlife. The design highlights a connection between the building and its natural surroundings, creating a space for learning and observation. Focused on transparency and continuity, the concept allows the structure to integrate well into the landscape while offering visitors a meaningful experience.

Design and Layout

The layout features an elevated floor that enhances views of the wetland. A spacious reception area welcomes visitors and provides key information about the reserve and its wildlife. The design includes a significant opening in the southeastern corner, which emphasizes the natural beauty outside and encourages exploration from the moment visitors arrive.

Visitor Experience

A continuous ramp leads to the second level, inviting visitors to explore at their own pace. This thoughtful design encourages movement, with amenities such as a showroom, lookout café, and gift shop arranged to foster pauses for reflection. These spaces are strategically placed to draw attention to the landscape, making the environment an integral part of the experience.

Structural Components

The building's structure consists of concrete columns providing essential support. The wooden mezzanine features lightweight fiber cement boards, giving the design flexibility while maintaining strength. The traditional sloping ceiling incorporates local palm leaves, creating a cultural connection to the region that enriches the overall aesthetic.

Environmental Considerations

The design includes a shade projection system that adapts to the sun's movement, ensuring comfort for visitors during warm hours. This detail showcases a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful integration with the natural surroundings. Open spaces within the project encourage not only reflection but also a deeper appreciation of the rich ecological context that surrounds it.

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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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