Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Elevated Wetland Experience with Glazed Panels and Community Interaction

Authors:
Mai Elhossiny, Boosy Elhossiny, Dina Elhossiny
Elevated Wetland Experience with Glazed Panels and Community Interaction

Project in-detail

Inspired by flamingos, the design features glazed panels and multi-level spaces that foster community interaction while serving as an educational hub within the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the feeding behaviors of flamingos, the building form transforms from upright to submerged levels.
02
Glazed panels enhance natural lighting while maintaining climate control throughout the interior.
03
The design includes educational exhibits about local wildlife native to the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve.
04
Multi-level spaces promote interaction and connectivity among visitors.
05
Floor overhangs provide shade, reducing energy consumption in the building's operation.

The design is inspired by the unique characteristics and behaviors of flamingos, located in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. The building serves a variety of functions, including a waiting area, offices, and exhibition spaces, all while taking on a form that reflects the essence of these birds. The design emphasizes connectivity and interaction, mirroring the social aspects of flamingo life.

Design Concept

The architecture incorporates mirroring and interlocking elements that enhance its visual appeal and promote a sense of community. The form of the building represents the feeding process of flamingos, moving from an upright position to a submerged stance. This transformation adds a dynamic element to the overall experience of the space.

Spatial Organization

The layout is thoughtfully arranged to include key areas such as a lobby, reception, and various amenities. This design prioritizes accessibility and allows visitors and staff to move easily through the environment. The organization of the space encourages interaction among users while accommodating different types of activities.

Architectural Features

Important architectural elements include roof insulation, which improves energy efficiency, and floor overhangs that provide necessary shading. Glass fins and spider fittings contribute to a more open atmosphere, creating clear views between inside and outside. Glazed vision panels allow natural light in, while tinted glass helps control the internal climate and enhances the overall look of the building.

Exhibition Areas

Within the project, exhibition spaces aim to educate visitors about local wildlife. They present information on bird life cycles and various species statistics. This aspect of the design integrates education into the overall experience, making the building not just a functional space but also a resource that informs about the surrounding nature.

The design culminates in an elevated terrace that offers views of the nearby wetlands, encouraging visitors to engage with the ecological environment. This design detail reinforces the connection between the structure and its natural setting.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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