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Natural Reeds and Cold Formed Steel Create a Sustainable Wetland Experience

Author:
Antony Vighin v
Natural Reeds and Cold Formed Steel Create a Sustainable Wetland Experience

Project in-detail

Tall reeds rise alongside a modular boardwalk supported by Cold Formed Steel, creating a sustainable visitor experience that connects people to the unique ecology of the wetland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular boardwalk elevates visitor experience while protecting the wetland ecosystem.
02
Cold Formed Steel structure allows efficient assembly with minimal excavation.
03
Integrated native vegetation enhances biodiversity and reduces water usage.
04
Tall reeds replace traditional handrails, providing safety and natural shade.
05
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across 7 kilometers of protected landscape.

The Al Wathba Wetland project is located in the Middle East, an important area for Flamingo breeding, producing around 3,000 chicks each year. The goal is to enhance tourism while preserving the unique characteristics of the wetland. The design concept focuses on creating a structure that works with the local landscape and promotes visitor interaction, providing shaded areas for comfort in the hot climate.

Structural Design

The main feature of the structure is an angular 'C' section that extends up to 15 meters. This shape serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, adding visual interest while maximizing shaded spaces on lower levels. The tower reaches a height of 4 meters, offering expansive views over about 7 kilometers of the landscape. This verticality reinforces the connection between the building and the natural surroundings.

Landscape Integration

The landscape design emphasizes the use of native plant species that require little water. This approach supports sustainability and provides essential shade for visitors. The choice of plants aligns with the project's commitment to preserving the natural habitat, ensuring that the wetland remains both accessible and ecologically viable. The integration of these species also enhances the environment’s overall visual appeal.

Modular Boardwalk

An important aspect of the project is the modular boardwalk, supported by a space frame structure elevated by 1 meter above the ground. This design allows visitors to experience the wetland up close while providing safe pathways for circulation. The boardwalk measures 1.75 meters in length and 1.70 meters in width, designed to fit within the natural landscape. Additionally, instead of traditional handrails, tall reeds grow alongside the boardwalk, standing over 2 meters high. This design choice offers natural shade and enhances safety, enriching the visitor experience.

Materials and Sustainability

Cold Formed Steel is used for the structural elements, allowing for efficient assembly with minimal need for excavation. This choice reflects a practical approach to construction and a focus on sustainability. The flooring utilizes Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), chosen for its ease of installation and recycled content. Treated wood is used for handrails to ensure durability against the harsh desert climate, contributing to the project's overall ecological goals.

The design leads visitors along a pathway that encourages them to engage with the serene atmosphere of the wetland, framed by architectural elements that define space while respecting the natural beauty of the site.

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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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