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Patterns in WPC and Timber Elements Blending with Wetland Views

Author:
Jenny Gray
Patterns in WPC and Timber Elements Blending with Wetland Views

Project in-detail

Inspired by the elegant forms of flamingos and utilizing a slender timber and steel frame, the design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding wetlands to create an interactive viewing tower for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the patterns formed by flamingos in wetlands.
02
Integrates viewing terraces to enhance landscape interaction.
03
Constructed with a unique wood plastic composite for durability.
04
Features shaded areas with openings for varied sightlines.
05
Incorporates an internal desert garden for a diverse ecosystem.

The Framingo is positioned within a wetland reserve and designed to enhance the experience of visitors while interacting with its natural surroundings. The tower takes cues from the local ecosystem, particularly the graceful shapes of flamingos, and translates these influences into a functional structure. Its design integrates elevated platforms and pathways that promote exploration while blending with the environment.

Design Concept

The design concept focuses on reflecting the natural pathways seen in the wetlands, particularly the delicate grass stems surrounding water bodies. The base and ramp of the tower guide visitors toward raised terraces, and ramps lined with slender timber sticks create a feeling of walking through grasslands. This element provides a direct connection between the architecture and the landscape.

Structural Elements

The slender frame extending from the highest viewing platform resembles the elegant legs of flamingos. This design choice strengthens the relationship between the building and the natural inspiration behind it. The patterns formed by flamingos when they gather are mirrored in the overall structure, adding visual interest and reinforcing its connection to the surrounding environment.

Materiality

The Framingo features a primary steel frame that offers structural support. This frame rests on a thick concrete raft slab, ensuring stability. A secondary frame is made from wood plastic composite, which includes a patterned metal mesh interlay. WPC is also used for decking, platforms, ramps, and stairs. This material choice promotes consistency across components while allowing for efficient construction practices.

Spatial Experience

The design encourages movement with elevated platforms that allow visitors to connect with the ecosystem. Open and shaded areas throughout the structure provide various experiences, inviting exploration and interaction with the environment. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces emphasizes the design’s lightness and elegance, reflecting the essence of the wetlands.

Significant design elements include shaded areas with openings that create different viewpoints. These features enhance visitor experiences while complementing an internal desert garden, fostering moments of reflection in a natural setting.

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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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