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High Concrete Walls Framing Secluded Relaxation Amidst an Artificial Microclimate

Author:
Alexander Rekhlitskiy
High Concrete Walls Framing Secluded Relaxation Amidst an Artificial Microclimate

Project in-detail

High concrete walls enclose a tranquil space that offers an artificial microclimate and an observation deck, designed to enhance visitor interaction with the natural reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
High concrete walls create privacy and enhance the microclimate.
02
Recessed glazing minimizes direct sunlight exposure while providing views.
03
An observation deck offers 360-degree vistas of the natural reserve.
04
Water features reflect light, brightening the interior environment.
05
Secluded relaxation zones encourage quiet contemplation and connection to nature.

The Flamingo Visitor Center is located within a natural reserve, designed to encourage a close relationship between visitors and their surroundings. The center serves a practical function, offering essential amenities while promoting interaction with the landscape. The overall design focuses on creating a connection between people and nature, allowing for moments of relaxation and reflection.

Architecture Concept
The design emphasizes architecture as a way to guide experiences rather than just to please the eye. By creating inviting spaces, the visitor center encourages people to engage with their environment. Visitors are prompted to sit and observe, creating a deeper understanding of the natural beauty around them.

Microclimate Creation
A notable feature of the design is the creation of an artificial microclimate, which addresses the area's hot and dry conditions. By reducing the amount of glazing on the public facade, the design lessens heat entering the building. Recessed glazing on the first floor is positioned carefully to limit direct sunlight. Water surfaces reflect light, brightening the interior and making the space more comfortable.

Observation Deck and Relaxation Zones
The observation deck is an important element of the visitor center. Its wide, circular shape offers expansive views of the reserve, allowing visitors to connect visually with the landscape. Nearby relaxation zones provide spots for quiet moments, enclosed by high concrete walls that create privacy. A small pool enhances these areas, contributing to comfort and inviting contemplation.

Structural Elements
The choice of sturdy structures plays a vital role in the center's design. High concrete walls define the relaxation spaces, providing shelter and a sense of separation from the outside world. These structural choices enhance comfort for visitors, promoting a welcoming atmosphere where architecture and nature coexist beautifully.

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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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