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Flamingo Arch Supported by Mud Bricks and Thatch Palm in a Wetland Visitor Center

Author:
Jacqueline martina Kissler
Flamingo Arch Supported by Mud Bricks and Thatch Palm in a Wetland Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Utilizing a flamingo arch form with mud brick construction and thatch palm roofing, the visitor center integrates into the wetland landscape while providing essential exhibition and training spaces for ecological education.
5 key facts about this project
01
The visitor center features a design inspired by the form of a flamingo, enhancing its connection to the local wildlife.
02
It utilizes traditional mud bricks for structural integrity, reflecting regional building practices.
03
The café's thatch palm roofing provides effective shade while maintaining open views of the wetland.
04
A water channel flows through the site, linking different zones and enhancing ecological interaction.
05
Indigenous flora surrounds the building, creating a natural barrier and promoting biodiversity.

The visitor center is designed to fit naturally within its wetland surroundings. It serves as a hub for education and connection, providing exhibition space, training facilities, and a café that allows visitors to appreciate the serene environment. The design emphasizes blending with the landscape, creating an inviting experience that encourages interaction with the ecosystem.

Zone Organization

Three main zones define the layout: the Visitor Area, the Open Access Zone, and the Buffer Area. Each zone has distinct functions aimed at enhancing visitor engagement with nature. A water channel flows through the vegetation buffer, connecting the Buffer Area to the Open Access Zone. This channel creates a natural waterbody that integrates with the site's topography, enhancing the sense of place.

Building Form

The building is elevated above the ground to limit contact with water, ensuring the structure remains sound and stable. This elevation offers expansive views of the wetland, drawing visitors' attention to the natural beauty surrounding them. The center consists of an exhibition hall, a training room, and a café, all positioned behind a screen of indigenous plant life. This choice provides both privacy and a feeling of seclusion, allowing guests to enjoy their surroundings more fully.

Materiality

Traditional building materials help the center connect with its local context. The use of mud bricks in the construction of the exhibition hall and training egg reflects regional architectural practices. The café features a thatch palm structure that rests on stilts, enhancing the connection to nature and providing shaded areas for visitors. Locally sourced wood forms the deck, protecting the ecosystem beneath while offering a comfortable place for people to gather.

Design Details

The building’s shape draws inspiration from the natural world. The exhibition hall resembles a flamingo in motion. The training space, designed as an "egg," sits comfortably within the wooden deck. This emphasis on fluid forms creates an environment where the architecture relates closely to the wetland and its wildlife. Visitors are invited to experience the beauty of their surroundings while enjoying the thoughtful design of the center.

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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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