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Spiral Ramp and Timber Construction Embracing Natural Habitat

Authors:
Minh Duc Pham, Tien Tran Van
Spiral Ramp and Timber Construction Embracing Natural Habitat
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A spiral ramp connects multiple levels of timber construction, allowing for continuous access and stunning viewpoints within a habitat that prioritizes inclusivity and interaction with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The spiral ramp offers uninterrupted access across multiple levels.
02
Natural shapes reflect the nesting patterns of flamingos.
03
Solid wood construction enhances sustainability and aesthetics.
04
Multiple viewpoints are strategically positioned for landscape interaction.
05
The design emphasizes inclusivity, accommodating all visitors.

The Flamingo Nest project is set in a tranquil natural environment, designed to create a strong connection between people and the landscape. Inspired by the nesting habits of flamingos, the building takes on fluid forms that mimic the elegance of nature. Function and beauty come together in a way that allows visitors to interact meaningfully with their surroundings while exploring the different levels within the structure.

SPIRAL RAMP

A key feature of the design is the spiral ramp, which links various levels of the core structure. This ramp serves as the main pathway, facilitating easy movement throughout the space. It provides continuous access to the highest platform, making it suitable for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. The ramp also offers multiple vantage points, encouraging a sense of adventure and discovery within the landscape.

NATURAL INTEGRATION

The design promotes a strong relationship with the surrounding landscape by using gentle curves that reflect natural forms. This thoughtful arrangement creates a flow between the architecture and the environment. Visitors experience a smooth transition from the built spaces to the open outdoors, enhancing their appreciation of nature. The landscaping complements the overall design, further tying the structure to its setting.

MATERIALITY

Materials play an important role in the project, with solid wood and timber bars being the primary components. These materials provide strength while adding warmth to the building's appearance. The use of wood connects the design to the natural context, emphasizing sustainability and aligning with the project’s environmental themes.

The spiral ramp culminates at an observation platform that provides sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This detail invites visitors to pause and take in their environment, reinforcing the project's goal of promoting a deep connection to nature.

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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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