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Flamingo-Inspired Structure with Ptfe Membrane and Rammed Earth Walls

Authors:
Oliver Hellmuth, Tobias Küblböck, Benedikt Will, Konstantin Blecha
Flamingo-Inspired Structure with Ptfe Membrane and Rammed Earth Walls
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Inspired by the shape of a flamingo, a wide PTFE membrane roof extends over rammed earth walls, creating a sustainable gathering space that connects administrative, educational, and service functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the form of a flamingo, emphasizing ecological design.
02
The roof features a wide PTFE membrane that allows for natural ventilation.
03
Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass and durability.
04
A central courtyard encourages community interaction and connection.
05
The layout reflects traditional Arabic urban design principles.

Al Wathba Flamingo Village is located outside a busy city area, where it aims to blend with the surrounding nature. The design focuses on creating spaces for administration, education, and services. It emphasizes a connection to the wetlands nearby, exploring a balance between traditional building methods and modern design.

Architectural Concept

The layout features a central courtyard that connects the different functional areas. This arrangement encourages interactions among visitors while making it easy to navigate the space. Drawing inspiration from traditional Arabic cities, the design employs narrow passages to foster a sense of community and enhance the experience of being in the environment.

Roof Structure

A notable aspect of the design is the roof, inspired by the tents used by nomadic cultures. This wide membrane roof provides shelter while allowing for natural airflow, which helps regulate the indoor climate without relying heavily on mechanical systems. The roof’s varying heights create shaded areas and link the structure visually to its natural surroundings, making the space more inviting.

Material Considerations

Material choices play an important role in the overall design. The roof consists of a PTFE-layered fiberglass membrane that is supported by steel cables, ensuring strength and durability against various weather conditions. Additionally, the project uses waterproof concrete for the ceiling, rammed earth for the walls, and natural stone for the flooring. These materials support the goals of sustainability and structural integrity, enhancing the building's functionality.

Design Detail

The design includes simple rectangular forms with high thermal mass, which helps manage temperature and energy use. This careful attention to design not only improves indoor comfort but also extends the building's lifespan. The relationship between the structure and its natural setting results in a thoughtful architectural approach that reflects the character of the local environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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