Get inspired!

17,363 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Undulating Roof Profile with Operable Glass and Native Vegetation in a Community Visitor Center

Author:
Nelson Camargo
Undulating Roof Profile with Operable Glass and Native Vegetation in a Community Visitor Center

Project in-detail

An undulating roof and operable glass facades harmonize with native vegetation to create a functional visitor center that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Undulating roof design enhances aerodynamics and rainwater management.
02
Operable glass facades promote natural ventilation and daylighting.
03
Native vegetation integrated into landscaping reduces water consumption.
04
Steel framing allows for expansive open interior spaces.
05
Mezzanine level offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The architectural project under analysis is a visitor's center designed to function as both an educational facility and a social hub within its natural context. Situated in a semi-arid environment, the structure exemplifies modern architectural principles while remaining sensitive to the local landscape. Its design emphasizes the synergy between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting interaction among visitors and their surroundings.

The building comprises two main levels. The ground floor serves as the primary functional area, housing spaces for reception, exhibitions, a gift shop, training rooms, and support facilities. This layout ensures that visitor flow is logical and efficient. The upper mezzanine level features an observation area and a café, offering panoramic views of the landscape while also providing additional seating and social interaction spaces.

Design Intentions and Unique Features

This project sets itself apart through several specific design strategies. An undulating roof profile enhances the building’s visual appeal and provides functional benefits such as improved aerodynamics and rainwater management. The extensive use of glass facades allows for maximum natural light penetration, reducing reliance on artificial lighting, while fostering a strong connection with the site’s ecology.

Additionally, canopies are strategically incorporated into the design to provide outdoor shading, creating comfortable spaces for visitors to engage with the environment. The incorporation of natural ventilation techniques is an essential element, with operable windows facilitating airflow, which is particularly important given the local climate.

Materials and Sustainability

The visitor's center utilizes a selection of durable materials carefully chosen for their thermal performance and aesthetic quality. Concrete forms the primary structural base, providing robustness and longevity. Steel framing contributes to the building’s structural integrity while enabling large open spaces inside. Wood finishes add warmth and a tactile quality, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Sustainability is a central consideration in the project’s architectural design. Passive heating and cooling strategies are applied through the extensive use of operable glass, allowing for natural temperature regulation. Landscaped areas incorporate native vegetation, minimizing water usage and promoting local biodiversity, further integrating the building into the surrounding ecosystem.

This project represents a thoughtful approach to modern architecture, emphasizing sustainability, functionality, and community engagement. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design intent, readers are encouraged to explore further details in the project presentation. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas that underpin this thoughtfully designed visitor's center.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,363 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy