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Screw Pillar Structure with Expanded Metal Façade for Wetland Observation

Authors:
Uli Schifferdecker, Daniel Nocker
Screw Pillar Structure with Expanded Metal Façade for Wetland Observation

Project in-detail

Relying on a foundation of prestressed screw pillars and a façade of expanded metal sheets, the observation area offers elevated views of the wetland, enhancing visitor engagement with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The platform's foundation consists of 30 prestressed screw pillars extending over 15 meters into the ground.
02
Expanded metal sheets on the façade are perforated to regulate sunlight and enhance comfort.
03
Access paths include ramps and stairs designed to meet UAE building regulations for inclusivity.
04
The layout maximizes sight lines to provide unobstructed views of the wetland ecosystem.
05
Prefabricated modules are utilized for efficient on-site assembly, reducing construction time.

The Al Wathba Wetland Observation Platform is located in the Al Wathba Wetland, an area rich with diverse plant and animal life. It serves as a space for people to experience and observe the natural environment. The design takes inspiration from the idea of a bird cage turned inside out, creating a structure that offers an open yet protected experience, allowing visitors to truly engage with the surrounding landscape.

Structural Foundation

The observation platform is built on a prestressed screw pillar foundation. This foundation includes 30 pillars that reach over 15 meters into the ground. It provides strong support while causing minimal disturbance to the delicate ecosystem. The installation process is efficient. Using small construction machinery makes quick work of drilling, which helps keep the impact on the site low.

Access and Connectivity

Access to the platform is designed for everyone. Ramps and stairs connect various levels and follow UAE building regulations to ensure that visitors with different mobility needs can reach the observation area. This layout promotes a smooth flow between the platform and the surrounding park, encouraging people to engage with the wetland’s natural beauty.

Architectural Features

The design puts a strong emphasis on sight lines, which enables visitors to enjoy wide views of the wetlands. Cross bracing and cantilevers add strength to the structure and create spacious openings for better visibility. The use of prefabricated modules during construction ensures that the assembly is both efficient and precise, contributing to the overall stability of the platform.

Facade Treatment

The façade features expanded metal sheets that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. These sheets are perforated to adjust how sunlight enters the structure, which helps regulate the internal environment. This adaptability not only enhances the visitor experience but also aligns the design with its natural surroundings.

The combination of the platform's thoughtful design and structural characteristics provides a way for people to connect with nature. The architecture invites exploration and appreciation of the wetlands, emphasizing the relationship between built spaces and the 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

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