Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Nature Exploration Pathway with Precast Concrete and Educational Installations

Authors:
Luciano Antonietti, Fiorini Alice, Mercolli Lino
Nature Exploration Pathway with Precast Concrete and Educational Installations

Project in-detail

Constructed with precast concrete and integrated didactic installations, the pathway offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe wildlife while fostering environmental education in the heart of Abu Dhabi's dunes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed as a modular pathway with 2-meter segments for efficient assembly.
02
Incorporates binocular viewing stations for unobtrusive wildlife observation.
03
Features educational installations to promote environmental awareness.
04
Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural topography of the dunes.
05
Covers a total area of 350 square meters, balancing scale and accessibility.

The project "Nature Only" is designed as a pathway that weaves through the natural landscape, encouraging visitor interaction while focusing on the need to protect the environment. Located in Abu Dhabi, the design highlights the connection between humans and wildlife, particularly through the observation of flamingos. The concept centers around a simple strip that meanders through various terrains, complemented by educational installations that aim to heighten awareness and appreciation of the local ecosystem.

Design Concept

The pathway follows a linear form that travels through the dunes, establishing a connection between users and the natural surroundings. The design takes a subtle approach, ensuring that visitors can immerse themselves in the landscape while keeping a respectful distance from the local wildlife. A small balcony, featuring binoculars for observation, enhances this experience, allowing quiet viewing of the flamingos without disturbing their habitat.

Materiality and Construction

The construction employs a high degree of prefabrication, which improves both the efficiency of the design and the ease of assembly. The pathway is made up of 2-meter segments, making transportation and installation straightforward. These modular sections are built to be durable, ensuring they withstand the elements while blending into the natural setting. The materials used include precast beige concrete and lean concrete, chosen for their strength and their visual harmony with the landscape.

Educational Engagement

Didactic installations are integrated along the pathway to provide educational opportunities for visitors. These features not only enhance the journey but also encourage a greater understanding of the unique habitats and species found in the area. By combining recreation with education, the project serves as a tool for raising environmental awareness and fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

The design culminates in a carefully designed observation point. It allows users to engage with the natural world in a meaningful way. The pathway covers a total area of 350 square meters, maintaining a consistent thickness of 1 meter and extending for 350 meters in length. The overall design aligns with the aim of creating a respectful and functional space that emphasizes the beauty of the environment and the importance of its preservation.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy