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Petal-Like Shading Canopy Over Concrete Observation Tower in Wetlands

Authors:
Marwa Dulaimi, Saba Besiso
Petal-Like Shading Canopy Over Concrete Observation Tower in Wetlands

Project in-detail

The observation tower features a petal-like shading canopy constructed from steel and PTFE fabric, seamlessly integrating into the Wathba Wetlands while providing essential facilities for visitor engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The shading canopy mimics the form of flower petals to enhance visitor comfort.
02
Concrete core houses essential facilities, including an elevator and plant room.
03
The exoskeleton provides structural support while maintaining visual lightness.
04
PTFE fabric used in the canopy ensures durability and low maintenance.
05
Designed to interact dynamically with the surrounding wetland environment.

The Wetland Blossom is an observation tower located in the Wathba Wetlands. It is designed to fit into its natural environment while providing facilities for visitors. The overall concept is inspired by natural forms, focusing on both functionality and visitor experience. Three main components work together to create this inviting structure.

Core Component

At the center of the Wetland Blossom is the core, which includes an accessible elevator and a plant room. This interior space is crucial for the tower's operations, allowing people to move around easily and access essential facilities. The core serves as a focal point, drawing visitors in and giving them a sense of connection to their surroundings.

Exoskeleton Framework

Surrounding the core is the exoskeleton, which provides structural support and stability. This outer framework enhances the building's durability and serves a visual purpose as well. The relationship between the solid core and the delicate exoskeleton creates a balance that is visually engaging. It ensures that the tower can withstand environmental challenges while maintaining an appealing form.

Shading Canopy

The shading canopy is another important feature, contributing to visitor comfort. Made from steel and PTFE glass fabric, the canopy helps block out excessive sunlight. This design mimics flower petals, adding an organic beauty that connects the tower to its ecosystem. With this feature, the experience of being in the space becomes more enjoyable and aware of nature.

Materials and Durability

The choice of materials plays a significant role in the tower's functionality and durability. Concrete is used for its structural strength, while steel provides necessary support in the exoskeleton. PTFE fabric is selected for its low maintenance and ability to resist fire, making it suitable for harsh weather conditions. Each material contributes to the building's resilience, ensuring it remains welcoming over time.

Light filtered through the shading canopy creates patterns on the ground, connecting the tower's interior with the dynamic landscape of the wetlands.

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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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