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Recycled Steel Observation Platforms Embracing Fossil Dunes and Local Wildlife

Authors:
Khawla Alshamsi, Sultan Alshamsi
Recycled Steel Observation Platforms Embracing Fossil Dunes and Local Wildlife
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Utilizing recycled steel to create accessible observation platforms, the design intertwines with fossil dunes and local wildlife habitats, offering visitors a unique space to engage with the surrounding ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled steel sheets attract local bird species while allowing for unobstructed wildlife movement.
02
A spiral ramp provides continuous accessibility to all visitors, including those with disabilities.
03
The structure's curvature envelope minimizes visual disruption and integrates seamlessly with the landscape.
04
Dedicated viewing platforms offer 360-degree perspectives of the surrounding ecosystem.
05
The design is inspired by fossil dunes, reflecting natural forms shaped by environmental forces.

The design is set in a rich ecosystem featuring lagoons and mangroves that enhance the experience of visitors and promote a close connection with nature. Inspired by fossil dunes, the concept seeks to create a space that engages users with local wildlife and the surrounding beauty. The goal is to serve as a platform for interaction, allowing people to appreciate the landscape while enjoying various amenities designed for comfort and accessibility.

Form and Accessibility

Accessibility stands at the forefront of the design approach. A centralized space allows visitors to reach the platform from multiple entry points, ensuring ease of movement throughout the area. A spiral ramp leads to an elevated viewing area, which is designed with a continuous slope. This feature ensures that everyone, including those with disabilities, can partake in the experience. The emphasis on accessibility highlights the desire for inclusivity and provides an enjoyable environment for all users.

Visual Integration

The structure features smooth curves that help it blend into the natural landscape. This design choice reduces visual disruption and maintains the area’s aesthetic qualities. By reflecting the organic shapes found in the natural surroundings, the architecture establishes a relationship with its environment. Visitors will find that the form contributes to a cohesive experience, enhancing the visual appeal of the site.

Sustainability and Interaction

Recycled materials are a key component of the design, aligning with a commitment to environmental responsibility. The design incorporates recycled metal sheets, allowing birds easy movement around the area while drawing visitors' attention to the local wildlife. Strategic viewing platforms provide spots for observing both birds and natural elements in their habitat. This interaction fosters a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and encourages visitors to connect with the environment on a personal level.

Detailing and Materiality

The use of powder-coated recycled steel tubes satisfies structural needs while promoting sustainability. The warm color of the coating is intended to lessen distractions for birds and help control heat gain. Such deliberate choices in material and detailing reinforce the building's connection to its surroundings. Each aspect of the structure is carefully considered, allowing visitors to engage with the landscape and appreciate the special qualities of the site.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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