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Louvered Wood Structure Elevating Visitor Experience in Wetland Observation

Authors:
Matias Honorato, Alejandro Morales, Patricio Zamora
Louvered Wood Structure Elevating Visitor Experience in Wetland Observation

Project in-detail

With its louvered wooden façade and seamless integration into the wetland landscape, the structure offers an elevated platform for observing the local flamingo population while prioritizing ecological sensitivity in its design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Louvered wood design enhances airflow while maintaining visibility of the wetlands.
02
The structure is raised on manually excavated pile foundations to minimize disturbance to the ecosystem.
03
An inclusive ramp replaces traditional stairs, improving accessibility for all visitors.
04
Flexible viewing platforms extend outwards, allowing diverse perspectives of wildlife.
05
Stained and bleached sealed wood is used to ensure durability while blending with the environment.
The Fuzzy Dock is an architectural project located in the Al Wathiba Wetland Reservation, United Arab Emirates, designed as a flamingo observation structure. This project aims to offer visitors an immersive experience within the natural landscape while facilitating wildlife observation. The architecture harmoniously integrates with its surroundings, emphasizing a connection between humanity and nature.

The Fuzzy Dock’s primary function is to serve as an observation platform, allowing visitors to engage with the unique ecosystem of the wetland without intruding upon it. The structure is designed to elevate visitors above the landscape, providing unobstructed views of flamingos and other wildlife while ensuring that the natural habitat remains intact. The architectural form encourages exploration and invites users to navigate the space leisurely.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinctive features of the Fuzzy Dock is its use of a modular design strategy. This allows for efficient assembly while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring that the construction process does not adversely affect the ecology of the wetlands. The structure includes a looping ramp for circulation instead of traditional staircases, promoting accessibility and enhancing user experience by facilitating a continuous flow throughout the observation areas.

The exterior of the Fuzzy Dock is characterized by a louvered skin composed of bleached sealed wood, which serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. The louvers provide shade while allowing for controlled views of the landscape, creating a dynamic interplay between the interior and exterior environments. The incorporation of organic forms into the design further blurs the lines between architecture and nature, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the surrounding ecosystem.

Design and Material Considerations

The Fuzzy Dock showcases a minimal yet effective material palette, utilizing stained and bleached sealed wood for structural and aesthetic elements. The use of these materials ensures both durability and visual compatibility with the local environment. The raised structure is supported by manually excavated pile foundations, which minimize soil disruption and maintain the integrity of the wetland ecosystem.

Key architectural details include various observational platforms that extend from the main structure, allowing for diverse vantage points across the wetlands. Flexible seating arrangements facilitate prolonged stays, encouraging visitors to spend time in the space and enhancing their engagement with the environment.

The Fuzzy Dock stands as an example of how architectural design can meet ecological considerations while fulfilling functional needs. It promotes interaction with nature through thoughtful design, providing an educational experience about the local ecosystem and the importance of conservation. For more insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project, explore the detailed presentation available.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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