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Spiral Structure of Concrete and Steel Overlooking Ecological Wetlands

Authors:
Carita Ahonen, Erik Lehtosaari
Spiral Structure of Concrete and Steel Overlooking Ecological Wetlands

Project in-detail

With a spiral structure composed of concrete and steel, this observation tower offers distinctive vistas of the Al Wathba Wetland, enhancing the experience of nature while prioritizing accessibility for all visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower's design is inspired by traditional Arabic woven baskets.
02
It features an optical illusion that alters its appearance with the viewer's perspective.
03
Four concrete piles form a minimal foundation, reducing ecological impact.
04
Hexagonal solar panels provide nighttime illumination and energy efficiency.
05
Accessibility is prioritized with low-tech support equipment for all visitors.

The miraGé Flamingo Observation Tower is located in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi. Designed to function as a space for observing nature, the tower reflects the form of Arabic woven baskets. Its design promotes a strong connection with the natural surroundings and encourages visitors to explore the area's diverse wildlife and ecosystems from different viewpoints.

Structural Design

The foundation of the tower is made up of four concrete piles that are embedded into the earth. This creates a stable base while reducing the impact on the delicate wetland environment. The choice of a four-point support system allows the building to remain lightweight, helping it blend into the landscape rather than dominate it.

A steel structure supports the interior, chosen for its strength and ability to span larger spaces without additional support. This construction allows for open platforms and spiral pathways that guide visitors upward. Each level offers a different perspective, inviting exploration and discovery.

Material Considerations

To ensure durability and ease of maintenance, ecological wood planks are selected for the platforms. This choice aligns with sustainable practices as it provides a natural look while being resilient against the elements. The material choice reflects a commitment to functionality, ensuring that the tower withstands the wear of daily use in a wetland environment.

The outer shape of the tower features an optical illusion that changes based on where a viewer stands. This playful element keeps the experience engaging as visitors move around the structure. Visitors are invited to witness how the sunlight interacts with the form, creating varied appearances throughout the day.

The design includes hexagonal solar panels positioned at the top, which serve to illuminate the tower during the night while offering an interesting visual feature. Accessibility has also been thoughtfully considered, with provisions made for disabled visitors to navigate the space comfortably.

The layered design of the tower allows it to stand out within the landscape while encouraging exploration. As visitors ascend, they are not just observing the wetlands but are also part of the narrative of this unique 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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