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Timber Deck and Steel Cables Elevate Views in a Wetland Reserve

Author:
Shreya Sathyanadhan
Timber Deck and Steel Cables Elevate Views in a Wetland Reserve

Project in-detail

With a timber deck and tension elements, the design promotes elevated views of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve while facilitating public observation and interaction with the surrounding ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber deck design integrates dynamic tension elements for structural efficiency.
02
Wetland Reserve setting enhances visitor experience with natural views.
03
Ramps accommodate accessibility while promoting interaction with the environment.
04
Tensegrity principles utilized to reduce material use and construction weight.
05
Openings between levels create visual connections throughout the structure.

The project located in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve serves to enhance connections between visitors and the natural environment. It exhibits a thoughtful design that focuses on ecological integration and the overall user experience. By utilizing principles of tensegrity, the structure not only supports itself but also blends into its landscape, creating a connection with the surrounding wetlands.

Design Concept
The design aims to create a structure that harmonizes with the local ecosystem while providing a clear functional purpose. Incorporating tensegrity allows the building to maintain a lightweight form that is efficient to construct. This approach brings together aesthetics and function, showcasing an innovative way to interact with nature.

Access and Circulation
Visitors reach the tower along a gently sloping boardwalk that raises them to the first level at 2.5 meters above the ground. This gradual ascent invites an engagement with the surrounding landscape. A bypass path offers different perspectives of both the building and the wetland, encouraging exploration and interaction as one moves through the area.

Structural Elements
The ramps lead to a mid-landing that grants a wide view of nearby water bodies and the native vegetation. These ramps come together into a single flow as they rise higher, supporting ease of movement while maintaining visual coherence. Floor slabs extend outward, acting as railings that ensure safety while providing an unobstructed visual connection throughout the spaces.

Materiality
The materials chosen for the project contribute significantly to its overall design. The boardwalk is made of timber, supported by tensegrity x-modules and steel cables that create a strong yet lightweight structure. These components help adapt to the landscape's variations, accommodating changes in elevation while achieving functional and visual goals.

An opening at the upper level connects different areas within the structure, allowing light to filter in and creating an inviting atmosphere. This design detail enhances the experience for visitors, fostering a sense of unity with both the building and the surrounding 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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