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Grated Steel Pathway Weaving Through Natural Palm Landscapes

Authors:
Sheryl Tucker de vazquez, Kim Busch
Grated Steel Pathway Weaving Through Natural Palm Landscapes

Project in-detail

The intertwining grated steel pathway mimics the natural movements of flamingos while weaving through palm trees, offering elevated vantage points that enhance the visitor experience in the wetlands.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a zig-zagging boardwalk that enhances visitor immersion in the wetlands.
02
Columns shaped like palm trees create a visual link to the local flora.
03
Ramps mimic the movement of flamingos, reinforcing the ecological theme.
04
Landings provide multiple elevated viewpoints for wildlife observation.
05
Grated steel allows natural elements to flow through while offering structural integrity.

The Nest at Al-Wathba Wetland Reserve is located in the United Arab Emirates and is designed to blend with the natural landscape. It takes inspiration from the shape of a bird’s nest, which informs both its structure and how people interact with the environment. The design features a winding boardwalk that allows visitors to explore the wetlands while offering several viewpoints. This setup enhances the experience of observing the local wildlife, particularly the flamingos that reside in the area.

Design Concept

The concept focuses on creating a close relationship between the built environment and nature. The boardwalk serves as a key feature, guiding visitors through the wetlands and providing unobstructed views of the landscape. Its winding form mirrors the natural lines found in the environment, encouraging a connection with the surroundings as people move along its path.

Structural Elements

Columns shaped like palm trees are an important part of the design, providing both support and a visual link to the local vegetation. These columns are essential for the structure's stability while reinforcing the theme of integrating architecture with nature. The ramps are designed to mimic the motion of flamingos, with curves that create engaging experiences for visitors and additional points from which to view the landscape.

Materiality

The boardwalk is made from grated steel, a material selected for its durability and practical benefits. This choice not only ensures the boardwalk is strong but also allows sand and natural debris to filter through, maintaining the ecological character of the wetlands. The openness of the grated design keeps visitors connected to the environment below, enhancing their awareness of the natural setting.

Landings placed at strategic intervals along the path provide spaces for rest and contemplation. These areas invite visitors to pause and observe the surroundings, enriching their experience within the wetlands. By encouraging reflection and observation, the design fosters a deeper appreciation for the ecology of the space.

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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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