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Pigmented Concrete Structures Merging With Natural Timber in a Wetland Visitor Centre

Authors:
Christopher Permain, Francisco Lozano
Pigmented Concrete Structures Merging With Natural Timber in a Wetland Visitor Centre

Project in-detail

With its pink-pigmented concrete and timber elements, the visitor centre elegantly blends into the wetland landscape, providing an educational and recreational space that fosters a deep connection with local wildlife.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates pink-pigmented concrete, enhancing visual harmony with the wetlands.
02
Scissors-shaped staircases reflect the posture of a standing flamingo, connecting architecture with nature.
03
Large circular windows provide unobstructed views of the wildlife reserve, creating a direct link to the landscape.
04
Tensile wires support information boards shaped like bird silhouettes, adding an educational element to the design.
05
Lightweight timber trusses create a floating effect for the terraces, emphasizing the building's integration with the environment.

The Flamingo Visitor Centre is located in a wetland area that serves both educational and recreational purposes. The design reflects a careful consideration of the environment, promoting a connection between visitors and the natural setting. By limiting the building's footprint to a narrow edge of the site, the project minimizes its impact on the delicate ecosystem while offering wide-ranging views of the wetlands.

Structural Configuration

The centre has an L-shaped plan supported by three main structural points. These points include vertical elements that act as elevators and stairs shaped like scissors. This layout mimics the stance of a standing flamingo, allowing the architecture to resonate with the local wildlife. The design facilitates vertical movement and enhances the overall coherence of the space.

Terrace and Access

One of the key features of the visitor centre is its long terrace that provides extensive views across the wetlands. This outdoor area is crucial for the visitor experience, encouraging observation of the surroundings. Access is easy, thanks to solid staircases and elevators located at each end of the terrace. This ensures that all guests can navigate the space comfortably, fostering a connection with the environment.

Materiality and Interior Design

The building employs pink-pigmented concrete with a raked texture, which gives it a unique visual character. Light timber trusses support the terraces, contributing to a feeling of lightness in the design. The interior benefits from large circular windows that frame the views of the wildlife reserve. Vertical timber battens make up the façade, creating a pattern that harmonizes with the concrete structure.

Lighting and Finish Details

The lighting design features LED tubes with pink folded aluminum 'wings' that direct light downward, creating a warm atmosphere inside the centre. This detail links the design to the flamingo motif, while also providing an inviting setting for visitors. The combination of natural light, structural elements, and finishing touches results in a well-rounded design that highlights the visitor centre's role within the wetland environment.

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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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