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ETFE Canopy Overlooking Flamingo Habitat for Enhanced Visitor Experience

Author:
Juste tresor Gatari
ETFE Canopy Overlooking Flamingo Habitat for Enhanced Visitor Experience

Project in-detail

An ETFE canopy sits above a carefully designed observation ramp, providing visitors with a unique vantage point to engage with a flamingo habitat while ensuring comfort through effective climate control.
5 key facts about this project
01
ETFE skin shading significantly reduces temperature fluctuations inside the structure.
02
The observation ramp provides elevated views that enhance visitor engagement with flamingos.
03
Seismic bracing systems ensure structural stability against natural disturbances.
04
Cross-ventilation is integrated to promote natural air circulation throughout the building.
05
The layout fosters easy movement and interaction across various functional areas for visitors.

The Delta-PI-9 project creates an immersive experience in the world of flamingos, set by the edge of a lake that emphasizes the need for ecological awareness. The design aims to engage visitors with the life of flamingos while serving as a visual and functional space. It integrates aspects of the natural habitat and encourages a connection between humans and wildlife.

Spatial Configuration

The layout encourages movement and interaction among visitors. Distinct areas are designated for reception, briefing and conference rooms, an open lobby with seating, display sections, a café, and an observation ramp tower. This organization enhances the experience and makes navigation straightforward. Visitors can easily explore the habitat, observing flamingos as they interact naturally in their environment.

Climatic Response

Addressing extreme temperature changes is key to the design's success. Visitors and flamingos alike can find comfort in the building. A significant feature is the ETFE skin shading system, which acts as a form of passive cooling. It shields from direct sunlight while promoting cross-ventilation. This approach helps create a pleasant indoor environment, reflecting an understanding of the local climate.

Structural Stability

The design pays close attention to stability and resilience against environmental challenges. Seismic considerations include bracing in the strong axis, effectively transferring forces to a well-engineered pier. Additionally, a gliding platform on a fixed pier is used to absorb seismic movements. Wind forces are reduced with a carefully designed shape that ensures the structure can withstand various weather conditions.

Material Selection

ETFE is the main material used in the project. Known for being lightweight and durable, it also performs well thermally and allows natural light to filter into the space. The choice of ETFE demonstrates a commitment to environmental principles while connecting indoors and outdoors. The transparency of the material enhances the overall experience for visitors, inviting them to engage with the flamingo habitat.

Visitors can enjoy elevated views of the surrounding landscape from the observation ramp tower, which deepens their appreciation of the local ecosystem. This thoughtful design detail allows for an enriched interaction with the environment, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

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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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