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Integrating Pink Ropes and Flowing Ramps Within a Desert Landscape Observatory

Authors:
Ous Abou ras, Reem Abdelaal, Yalda Safarali, Tina Siassi
Integrating Pink Ropes and Flowing Ramps Within a Desert Landscape Observatory

Project in-detail

With its distinctive pink ropes and flowing ramps integrated into the arid landscape, the observatory tower facilitates accessible interaction with the surrounding environment while offering elevated viewing areas for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a continuous zigzag ramp, enhancing accessibility and visitor navigation.
02
Pink ropes are used as structural elements, combining functionality with a distinctive aesthetic appeal.
03
The building's layout promotes varied visual perspectives as users ascend through the space.
04
Materials selected are locally sourced, reflecting a commitment to environmental integration.
05
The observatory aligns with natural light paths, optimizing illumination in interior spaces.

## Overview

"Rosea Strata" is an observatory tower designed to enhance accessibility within a desert context. Intent on creating an engaging visitor experience, the structure incorporates natural elements alongside architectural features. The primary focus is to facilitate user navigation through an innovative zig-zag ramp system that leads to elevated viewing points, fostering interaction with both the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

## Spatial Strategy

The design employs a dynamic circulation strategy characterized by a continuous ramp system, allowing for an immersive spatial experience. The layering of the structure not only provides practical access but also directs visitor movement, encouraging exploration. The interplay between different spatial layers is intended to enhance visual interest, as the use of pink ropes contributes to a sense of enclosure while maintaining transparency and openness.

## Design Elements

### Materials and Aesthetics

Materials chosen for the construction include a robust steel framework, transparent glass panels, and pink ropes, which create a distinctive visual identity. The combination of these materials serves both functional and aesthetic purposes: the glass allows for unobstructed views, while the steel provides structural integrity. The use of concrete as a foundational element further ensures durability.

The vibrant pink tones are intentionally selected to enhance the building's integration with the surrounding desert environment, evoking warmth and inviting visitor engagement. The contrasting textures of the smooth glass and rough concrete amplify the overall visual appeal, enhancing the sensory experience as visitors navigate the space.

### Environmental Integration

The design reflects a conscious effort to harmonize with the surrounding ecology, acknowledging the local flora and fauna. By positioning the structure to complement the natural landscape, including adjacent grasslands and wildlife such as flamingos, the observatory facilitates a dialogue between the built and natural environments, encouraging an educational experience that emphasizes conservation and interaction with nature.

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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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