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Rammed Earth Curves Embrace Nature in Wetland Visitor Center

Authors:
Fatma Al mulla, Merlyn Rivera
Rammed Earth Curves Embrace Nature in Wetland Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Intertwining curves of rammed earth create a tactile and visually engaging space that connects visitors to the wetland ecosystem while serving as a center for education and recreation focused on flamingos.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Curved design mimics the natural form of a flamingo’s neck.
03
Multi-faceted façade provides varied perspectives of the wetland.
04
Continuous ramp ensures accessibility throughout the building.
05
Outdoor terrace promotes interaction with local wildlife.

Flamingo Lands is an architectural design that gracefully combines nature with human activity in an inviting setting. Located in a wetland area rich in wildlife, the facility serves as a center for education and recreation focused on flamingos. The design draws influence from the smooth curves of a flamingo's neck, resulting in a structure that encourages interaction while allowing people to enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Design Concept and Layout

The building features two main curves: the East curve, designed as an open floor plan that facilitates easy movement, and the North curve, created as a continuous ramp leading to a terrace. This thoughtful arrangement promotes a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the experience for visitors. The radial design offers varied views from multiple angles, creating a dynamic connection with the wetland area.

Material Selection

Rammed earth serves as the main construction material, selected for its sustainability and compatibility with the local landscape. This material provides an attractive visual appeal while ensuring practical benefits such as resistance to moisture and fire. The warm tones and textures of rammed earth blend well with the sandy environment, making the building stand out without overwhelming the natural setting.

Sustainability Features

Several design elements promote sustainability, including a large roof overhang that reduces heat gain and improves comfort for those waiting outside. This feature functions as a protective shade, allowing airflow to circulate. The narrow building form, combined with an open layout, encourages cross-ventilation, helping to maintain a pleasant indoor climate without the need for heavy reliance on air conditioning.

Pathway and Visitor Engagement

The pathway that connects the interior and exterior spaces is curvilinear, guiding visitors on an exploratory journey. This path leads to the terrace, where individuals can closely observe the wildlife and create a deeper connection with their surroundings. Areas shaded by climbing plants add to the atmosphere, highlighting how the design brings together the built environment and natural habitat.

The two intertwining curves of the structure reflect the interplay between architecture and nature, allowing visitors to engage fully with their environment in a meaningful way.

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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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