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Thatched Roof Over a Wildlife Garden with Gulam Pillars

Author:
Erik Heiman
Thatched Roof Over a Wildlife Garden with Gulam Pillars

Project in-detail

A natural thatched roof coupled with solid Gulam wood pillars creates a unique environment that seamlessly integrates an exotic garden with wildlife, allowing visitors to engage with nature in a dedicated exhibition space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a thatched roof that provides effective thermal regulation.
02
Solid Gulam wood pillars mimic the form of palm trees, enhancing the natural theme.
03
Two bridges create shaded areas while providing views of the surrounding garden.
04
An exotic garden acts as a natural barrier, supporting a diverse ecosystem.
05
Glass curtain walls maximize transparency and connect visitors with the wildlife.

The Beak is designed to focus on engaging visitors with wildlife in an interactive environment. Set within a carefully planned landscape, the structure functions as both an exhibition area and a space for people to experience nature. The concept revolves around fostering a connection between the visitors and the surrounding wildlife, allowing for close encounters while maintaining ecological balance.

Structural Form and Angles

Delicate angles in the architectural form enhance the connection with the surrounding wildlife. These thoughtfully designed features create framed views that invite curiosity and exploration from those who enter. The layout encourages a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, highlighting the close relationship with the natural landscape.

Garden as Ecosystem

An exotic garden plays a vital role in the design, functioning as an independent ecosystem. This garden acts as a natural barrier, allowing visitors to engage with wildlife without causing disturbances. Two bridges are placed strategically to provide shaded areas, offering comfort while enabling guests to enjoy the beauty of the ecological surroundings.

Material Transparency

A natural thatched roof is essential for managing thermal comfort in the building. This design choice helps keep areas cool during warmer days, improving the visitor experience in spaces that provide panoramic views. Impressive glass curtain walls increase visibility, allowing natural light to enter while framing views of the outside environment and its wildlife.

Unique Structural Elements

Solid Gulam wood forms the core of the structure, delivering stability and a sense of warmth. A center pillar takes the shape of a palm tree, reflecting the organic theme throughout the design. The exterior pillars bend to resemble reed straws swaying in the wind, demonstrating an innovative approach to construction that aligns with the natural elements present.

The careful integration of these features results in architecture that reflects and respects its ecological context. The Beak emerges as a place where visitors can connect meaningfully with the environment around them, encouraging an appreciation of nature in all its forms.

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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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