Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

WAVED Slab Structure Embracing Loess in an Eco-Tourism Center

Authors:
So-young Yoon, Hye-seung Kim, Tae-hoon Kang
WAVED Slab Structure Embracing Loess in an Eco-Tourism Center

Project in-detail

The WAVED slab seamlessly integrates with the Al Wathba Wetland's landscape, utilizing loess for a durable finish while facilitating accessibility and promoting eco-tourism through education and research focused on local wildlife.
5 key facts about this project
01
WAVED slab design enhances integration with the wetland landscape.
02
Loess is used for finishing surfaces, reflecting local environmental materials.
03
Centralized cloister guides visitors through diverse educational zones.
04
Shaded parking solutions promote comfort in the desert climate.
05
Landscaped areas enrich sensory experiences and connection to nature.

The Al Wathba Wetland Visitor Center is located in Abu Dhabi and serves to connect people with the rich ecological environment of the Al Wathba Wetland, known for its diverse wildlife, including endangered flamingos. The design focuses on creating engaging experiences that promote exploration, education, and research related to the wetland ecosystem. This concept aims to enhance visitors’ appreciation of the natural habitat while integrating sustainable practices throughout the center.

Integration with Landscape
The design prominently features a WAVED slab that merges with the landscape of the wetland. This approach enhances the connection between the building and its surroundings. By elevating sections of the structure, the design offers varied experiences as visitors move through the center. The thoughtful placement of the building supports a direct relationship with the ecological features of the area.

Accessibility Considerations
The visitor center is designed to ensure accessibility for everyone. A centralized cloister serves as a pathway, guiding visitors through different areas dedicated to education, exhibitions, and eco-tourism. This layout enables easy movement throughout the building, helping visitors engage more fully with the information and spaces available.

Material Choices
Materials used in the construction include loess for finishing surfaces, chosen to blend with the desert environment. This selection helps create a visual and physical connection to the wetland. The inclusion of metal lath and plant elements adds character to the structure while reinforcing the theme of harmonious coexistence between the building and nature.

Environmental Integration
Environmental considerations are central to the design. Shaded parking areas protect vehicles from intense sunlight, while landscaped sections encourage interactions with the natural surroundings. These features ensure that visitors can navigate the site comfortably and meaningfully engage with the various educational resources offered.

A winding path invites exploration, allowing visitors to discover the different habitats represented within the center. The design itself plays a key role in the overall experience, highlighting the importance of the wetland and fostering a greater understanding of its ecological value.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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