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Timber and Glass Structure Offering 360-Degree Views of Flamingo Habitat

Author:
Maya Kardouh
Timber and Glass Structure Offering 360-Degree Views of Flamingo Habitat

Project in-detail

Constructed with laminated timber and glass, the tower offers uninterrupted 360-degree views of the flamingo habitat, encouraging visitors to engage with the surrounding ecosystem through an immersive observational experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Laminated timber construction enhances structural strength while maintaining a natural aesthetic.
02
360-degree observation points allow for immersive experiences with local wildlife.
03
The design emphasizes smooth circulation paths for visitor movement and engagement.
04
Open glass facades maximize natural light and provide seamless views of the flamingo habitat.
05
Strategic elevations in the tower enhance viewpoints and create varied observational perspectives.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower stands prominently in the natural habitat of the region's flamingo population. The design invites visitors to experience the unique environment, encouraging exploration and observation of both the wildlife and the surrounding landscape. A balance of chaotic aesthetics and peaceful pathways defines the tower, guiding users as they ascend to take in expansive views of their surroundings.

Design Concept

The tower’s design concept merges chaos with tranquility. Visitors move through various levels, each presenting different vantage points for watching the flamingos in their habitat. This arrangement creates a rich visual experience, allowing people to feel connected to the ecosystem while navigating an engaging spatial journey.

Material Selection

Laminated timber and laminated glass are key materials in the construction. Laminated timber is used for its strength and natural appearance, contributing warmth to the interior spaces. This choice reinforces the idea of blending the structure with its environment.

Laminated glass plays an important role by providing clear views and allowing natural light to fill the space. The transparency ensures that the landscape remains visible and accessible, enhancing the relationship between the occupants and their surroundings.

Spatial Experience

The tower encourages a smooth flow of movement. As visitors circulate through the various levels, they encounter thoughtfully designed viewpoints that facilitate interaction with the scenic landscape. This fluidity supports observation and appreciation of the flamingo habitat, creating a more immersive experience.

At the top, an observation deck offers sweeping views of the landscape, providing a space for quiet reflection. The layout emphasizes an ongoing dialogue between people and nature, where architecture serves both as a structure and as a conduit for experiencing the beauty of 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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