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Sculptural Roof Design Featuring Passive Cooling Through Natural Ventilation and Charred Wood Elements in an Environmental Education Hub

Author:
Edoardo Tadini
Sculptural Roof Design Featuring Passive Cooling Through Natural Ventilation and Charred Wood Elements in an Environmental Education Hub

Project in-detail

Charred wood shingles and a sculptural roof design harness natural ventilation to create an immersive educational experience at a visitor center within the Al Wathba Natural Reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a natural aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels support the structural integrity and sustainability of the building.
03
The bent A-frame design facilitates passive cooling through enhanced airflow.
04
Native plant landscaping enriches local biodiversity and promotes ecological education.
05
Integrated terraces offer immersive views for visitors, linking them directly to the landscape.

The Oasis Raft Visitor Center is an architectural project located in the Al Wathba Natural Reserve, United Arab Emirates. This structure serves as a visitor hub designed to enhance the connection between visitors and the surrounding ecosystem. It reflects a commitment to environmental education and sustainable architecture, encouraging awareness of the reserve’s unique biodiversity.

Designed with an emphasis on fluidity and integration, the project embodies natural forms that resonate with the landscape. The twisting structure facilitates a flow that guides visitors through various educational and interactive spaces, promoting engagement with nature. The choice of materials and architectural elements reflects a desire to harmonize the building with its environment while prioritizing functionality and sustainability.

Design Integration and Environmental Harmony

A unique aspect of the Oasis Raft project is its organic architectural elements. The building’s exterior features smooth, flowing lines that mimic the natural contours found within the reserve. This design approach not only enhances aesthetic value but also minimizes visual disruption, allowing the structure to sit comfortably within its surroundings.

The roof is designed to promote passive cooling through its sculptural shape, enabling efficient air circulation. This feature reduces reliance on artificial cooling systems, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable design principles. Additionally, the incorporation of native plants into the landscape enhances local biodiversity while providing shade and improving microclimate conditions.

Interactive Spaces and Educational Facilities

The design of the visitor center includes various interactive spaces that serve educational purposes. Exhibition areas are strategically located to provide immersive experiences that highlight the ecological significance of the Al Wathba Natural Reserve. The project includes terraces that offer viewpoints for observing the surrounding landscape, encouraging outdoor interaction and learning.

The choice of materials contributes to both the building’s aesthetic and functional traits. Timber is utilized for structural elements, fostering a warm atmosphere and an appropriate connection to nature. Glass panels allow natural light to permeate the interior, reinforcing the relationship between the inside and the outside. The careful selection of paving stones ensures walkways resonate with the surrounding environment, further unifying the design.

The Oasis Raft Visitor Center exemplifies a thoughtful architectural approach that applies sustainable practices while fostering a deeper understanding of the environment. To explore the project's architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs in greater detail, consider visiting the project presentation for comprehensive insights into this innovative design.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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