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Wildlife Observation Center Featuring Natural Wood Brown and Charred Shingles in Desert Ecology

Authors:
Minh duc Pham, Tien Tran Van
Wildlife Observation Center Featuring Natural Wood Brown and Charred Shingles in Desert Ecology

Project in-detail

Nestled in a desert landscape, this wildlife observation center seamlessly integrates locally sourced timber and charred wooden shingles, creating a unique architectural form that mirrors the natural nesting behaviors of flamingos while prioritizing accessibility and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates a spiral ramp that ensures seamless accessibility across multiple levels while providing panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
02
Locally sourced timber is used for the structural framework, promoting sustainability and reducing transportation emissions.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a visually distinctive exterior that enhances durability while integrating with the natural environment.
04
The layout includes interactive educational spaces designed to engage visitors with the ecology and wildlife of the desert habitat.
05
A unique nesting-inspired architecture reflects the behavior of flamingos, fostering a deeper connection between the structure and its wildlife context.
The Flamingo Nest architectural project embodies a thoughtful exploration of how design can harmonize with nature while serving a functional purpose within its environment. Located in a desert landscape, the Flamingo Nest reflects an understanding of the local ecology and the need for sustainable engagement with the surroundings. The project is designed to resemble the nesting behaviors of flamingos, integrating organic forms that evoke the natural world, thereby promoting conservation and public awareness.

At its core, the project functions as a multifunctional space that invites both recreation and education. It serves as an observation point for wildlife enthusiasts and as a gathering space for community events. The design prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that people of all abilities can engage with the landscape and architecture. Thoughtful considerations such as a spiral ramp facilitate movement through the structure, allowing for easy access to various levels while also providing unique viewpoints of the expansive desert.

The architectural design features a combination of materials that emphasizes sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Locally sourced solid wood forms the primary framework, offering warmth and a connection to the environment. Lightweight timber bars are strategically used to support the structure without adding unnecessary mass, promoting natural airflow and minimizing energy requirements. The use of concrete in the foundation provides necessary stability, addressing the challenges posed by the sandy soils typical of desert regions. Large glass panels are implemented to foster a visual connection with the surroundings, allowing visitors to appreciate the desert landscape from within the structure.

A key element of the Flamingo Nest is the integration of observation decks at multiple elevations. These spaces encourage visitors to engage with the environment, offering various perspectives of the unique flora and fauna found in the area. Each deck is designed to promote reflection and connection, aligning with the project’s mission to educate the public about the importance of ecological balance and conservation efforts.

One of the unique aspects of this design lies in its careful consideration of the interplay between the architecture and the natural habitat. The form of the building mimics an intricate nest, creating an inviting silhouette that enhances the landscape rather than dominating it. The structural forms mimic the patterns and arrangements found in nature, creating a visual language that resonates with observers and invites curiosity about the local ecosystem.

This project effectively merges innovative architectural design with ecological principles, demonstrating the potential for architecture to engage with and enhance its surroundings meaningfully. The Flamingo Nest stands as a testament to the role of architecture in fostering community connections while promoting environmental sensitivity.

For those interested in a more in-depth understanding of this architectural endeavor, it is encouraged to explore the project presentation, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, to delve into the thoughtful ideas that shaped the Flamingo Nest. Engaging with these materials will provide greater insight into how this project represents a synthesis of nature and design, embodying the potential for architecture to contribute positively to its environment.
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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
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