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Light Brown Wood Structure Emphasizing Nature and Community Engagement

Authors:
Kalpesh Solanki, Paola Conzatti, Shahrazad Saadeh, Massimo Velenosi
Light Brown Wood Structure Emphasizing Nature and Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A helical ramp leads visitors upward through light brown wood structures that integrate with the desert landscape, providing an inclusive space for education and community engagement amid the Al Wathaba reserve's unique ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
A helical ramp ensures universal accessibility for all visitors.
02
The observation deck offers panoramic views of the Al Wathaba reserve.
03
Large shaded areas replace the existing pavilion, enhancing community use.
04
Light-colored wood integrates the structure into the desert landscape.
05
Designed to minimize environmental impact during construction and operation.

The Oasis Tower is located within the Al Wathaba reserve, a well-maintained man-made ecosystem that supports a diverse array of wildlife, including flamingos. The design focuses on accessibility and social engagement, addressing the need for spaces that allow for education and recreation in a unique desert environment. The concept is rooted in inclusivity and environmental awareness, aiming to create an inviting space for visitors to explore and learn about the surrounding nature.

Accessibility Features

Central to the design is a helical ramp that provides a gentle incline, making it easy for all visitors to navigate the tower. This feature removes barriers and enhances the visitor experience, allowing guests to feel connected to the landscape as they ascend. The ramp also offers a visual pathway, guiding people through the natural beauty of the reserve.

Social Engagement Spaces

The tower includes shaded areas that are designed to host a variety of groups, such as students, researchers, and tourists. One significant shaded area at ground level replaces an older pavilion and serves as a communal space for gatherings. Another shaded observation deck at the top provides a vantage point for visitors to take in the expansive views of the oasis, creating opportunities for relaxation and education.

Sustainability and Materiality

A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability through the choice of wood as the main material. This decision helps to limit environmental impact during both construction and operation. The design allows for structural elements that can be assembled without the need for heavy machinery, aligning with eco-friendly practices. This use of certified wood supports sustainable methods and contributes to the overall low environmental footprint of the project.

Aesthetic Integration

The design employs light-colored wood to blend with the desert surroundings. This choice helps the structure fit naturally within its environment while reinforcing the connection between the built space and the landscape. The helical ramp reflects local architectural elements and ensures that visitors experience a continuous relationship with nature as they move through the tower.

The unique perspectives offered by the observation deck invite visitors to engage with the landscape in a meaningful way. This connection between human spaces and nature encourages appreciation of the delicate balance that exists in the oasis, allowing for deeper reflection on the environment and architectural design.

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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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