Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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