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Metal Pipes and Ramps Elevate Wildlife Observation in Natural Habitat

Authors:
Esra Sönmez işlek, Bediha Güngör, Elif Ünlü, Elif Atmaca
Metal Pipes and Ramps Elevate Wildlife Observation in Natural Habitat

Project in-detail

Metal pipes supporting dual observation platforms rise from the sand, offering accessible views of the local flamingo population while integrating seamlessly with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual observation platforms enhance accessibility for all visitors.
02
Metal pipes evoke the appearance of flamingo legs while ensuring durability.
03
The base is hidden beneath sand to create a natural appearance.
04
Solar-powered LED lights provide nighttime visibility without disturbing wildlife.
05
A modular broadwalk adapts to various terrains, preserving the ecosystem.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower is situated in a distinctive natural environment, allowing visitors to observe local wildlife, especially the flamingos that inhabit the area. The design aims to merge the structure with its surroundings while ensuring that it remains accessible and engaging for all users. By focusing on minimal disruption to the ecosystem, the design creates a clear connection between the built space and the natural world.

Structural Design

The tower's main structure utilizes metal pipes that resemble the legs of flamingos in a stylized way. This choice enhances the visual relationship between the building and its environment, yet maintains durability and ease of maintenance. The overall design expresses a sense of elegance and grace, making the architecture feel like it belongs in the landscape.

Accessibility Features

Featuring two observation platforms, the tower enhances the experience for visitors. The first platform is equipped with a ramp, allowing access for those with disabilities. The second platform is reached by stairs and offers a higher viewpoint, encouraging visitors to take in the sights of the landscape. This tiered approach invites exploration and engagement with the surrounding nature.

Environmental Integration

Thoughtful integration with the environment is evident in the design. The base of the tower is hidden beneath sand, which reduces construction impacts and creates the appearance that the metal pipes rise naturally from the ground. Additionally, the broadwalk connects to the tower, designed to adapt to various terrains so that access does not interfere with the local ecosystem.

Functional Considerations

The design includes features that prioritize visitor comfort and sustainability. Wind circulation is enhanced by the structure's shape, allowing for fresh air to flow through the observation areas. Solar-powered LED lights provide illumination without disturbing the local wildlife at night. These practical choices reflect the project's commitment to blending the architecture with nature.

Overall, the observation tower presents a thoughtful blend of functional elements and elegant design lines, all while respecting and celebrating the surrounding natural habitat.

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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

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