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Palm Leaf Cladding Embraces Nature in a Visitor Center at Al Wathba Wetlands

Author:
Abdulrahman Wehbe
Palm Leaf Cladding Embraces Nature in a Visitor Center at Al Wathba Wetlands

Project in-detail

Utilizing palm leaf cladding to harmonize with its natural surroundings, the Visitor Center integrates sustainable design principles with the Al Wathba wetlands to enhance visitor engagement with the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced palm leaf cladding for environmental sensitivity.
02
Incorporates a natural ventilation system to enhance thermal comfort.
03
Features a central focal point that highlights the wetlands' ecological value.
04
Contains multiple access points through a strategically designed terrace.
05
Connects visitors with the surrounding natural landscape in meaningful ways.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center is located near the Al Wathba wetlands and aims to connect visitors with the natural environment. The center is divided into two distinct areas: an active zone that showcases the wetlands and a passive zone that supports the visitor functions. This design clearly reflects a balance between human activity and the preservation of nature.

Architectural Concept

The layout facilitates easy movement for visitors while enhancing their overall experience. In the center of the active zone, a focal point draws attention to the surrounding landscape. It creates a strong link between the building and the wetlands, emphasizing the importance of the natural setting and engaging visitors in a meaningful way.

Environmental Strategy

The building employs natural ventilation to improve indoor comfort. The design takes advantage of the prevailing winds from the Northeast. Operable sections in the facade allow cool air to enter, while hot air is released through the Southeast. This method reduces the need for mechanical cooling and supports a sustainable approach to building design.

Material Considerations

Palm leaf cladding is a key material used in the construction. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability, as palm leaves are both eco-friendly and visually appealing. The material also helps control heat and humidity, ensuring a comfortable interior environment. The use of palm leaf cladding throughout the structure reinforces its relationship with the local climate and surroundings.

The design features a terrace that enhances accessibility and provides various entry points to the building. Its form aligns with the overall shape and layout, creating a unified connection to the landscape. This thoughtful aspect of the design promotes interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, enriching the experience for all visitors.

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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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