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Natural Ventilation And Timeless Elegance Through Sustainable Wooden Frames In A Community Visitor Center

Authors:
Olivia Sydain, Mohamed Eldessouky, Mostafa Eldessouky
Natural Ventilation And Timeless Elegance Through Sustainable Wooden Frames In A Community Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Employing natural ventilation through strategically placed wooden louvers and a central courtyard design, the visitor center enhances ecological awareness while offering an immersive educational experience in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a central courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and visitor engagement.
02
Incorporates a Barajeel-inspired wind-capturing structure for passive cooling.
03
Features wooden louvers designed to optimize daylight and minimize heat gain.
04
Constructed with locally sourced materials to promote environmental sustainability.
05
Offers panoramic views of the wetland while integrating educational exhibits.
The Flamingo Visitor Center, situated within the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in the United Arab Emirates, represents a seamless integration of architecture with its natural surroundings. The building serves as an educational center and tourism hub, designed to enhance visitors’ understanding of the wetland ecosystem while promoting conservation efforts. Its architectural design reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, using locally sourced materials and natural systems for energy efficiency.

The center is organized around a central courtyard that fosters community interaction, reminiscent of traditional Emirati architectural elements such as the Barajeel, or wind tower, which facilitates passive cooling. The project employs a variety of materials, including wooden structures, glass curtain walls, and stone pathways, which contribute to both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. The careful selection of materials also aligns with regional construction practices, ensuring cultural relevance while enhancing the visitor experience.

Sustainability is embedded in the project’s design strategy. The architectural approach includes natural ventilation systems, solar energy utilization, and water-efficient landscaping using native species. The building's form is characterized by undulating roofs and open spaces that mimic the movement of flamingos, reinforcing the connection between architecture and nature. The effective use of wooden louvers and openings maximizes daylight while minimizing heat gain.

Visitor experience is prioritized through spaces that encourage exploration and social interaction. The design features dedicated zones for exhibitions, educational programs, and leisure, all supported by optimal circulation patterns. The interior integrates aspects of nature through large glass windows that provide views of the surrounding wetlands, thereby enhancing the immersive experience for visitors.

The Flamingo Visitor Center distinguishes itself from typical visitor centers through its strong emphasis on biophilic design principles. Its integration of architectural strategies that favor natural processes and community engagement sets it apart in a landscape of conventional structures. By fostering educational initiatives and providing a platform for wildlife observation, it not only serves as a facility but also as a catalyst for environmental appreciation and stewardship.

Explore the project presentation for additional details, including architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas to further understand the unique aspects of this project.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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