Koalas Claw: A Biophilic Architecture Proposal for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Ecological Harmony

As architecture increasingly shifts toward ecological responsibility and environmental integration, projects that combine wildlife conservation with sustainable spatial design are becoming essential. Koalas Claw, designed by Chingiz Agharzayev, is a compelling example of biophilic architecture that responds directly to the fragile relationship between humans, animals, and the natural landscape.

Shortlisted in the Haven 2020 competition, the proposal explores how architecture can create a safe and restorative environment for koalas while simultaneously educating visitors about wildlife preservation. Rather than imposing a dominant structure onto the site, the project dissolves into the landscape through earth-covered forms, green roofs, organic circulation, and environmentally responsive planning.

Inspired by the shape and movement of a koala’s claw, the architecture transforms a symbolic gesture from nature into an immersive spatial experience.

Architecture Rooted in the Landscape

The central concept behind Koalas Claw is the seamless integration of architecture with the surrounding ecosystem. The building does not stand as an isolated object. Instead, it becomes an extension of the terrain itself.

The project’s curved geometry emerges gently from the landscape, forming a partially submerged structure that minimizes visual disruption while maximizing environmental continuity. The earth-covered roof blends into the site, allowing vegetation to continue uninterrupted over the architecture. This approach reflects core principles of biophilic architecture, where built environments are designed to reinforce the human connection with nature.

The form itself resembles the gripping motion of a koala claw wrapping around a tree branch. This metaphor becomes the organizational logic of the project, shaping circulation, spatial zoning, and the relationship between interior and exterior environments.

The winding pathways surrounding the structure encourage gradual movement through the landscape, creating a contemplative experience that mirrors the calm rhythm of the natural environment.

A Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Designed Around Koalas

Unlike conventional institutional facilities, Koalas Claw prioritizes animal wellbeing as the foundation of the design process. Every spatial decision is centered around creating a safe habitat for rehabilitation, treatment, and recovery.

The program includes:

• rehabilitation zones
• treatment rooms
• surgery facilities
• emergency rooms
• laboratories
• preparation rooms
• staff and administration areas
• visitor education spaces
• museum and exhibition functions

The building creates a balance between operational efficiency and environmental sensitivity. Public functions are carefully separated from treatment areas to reduce stress on the animals while still allowing educational interaction between visitors and wildlife conservation efforts.

The circular courtyard at the heart of the project becomes both a visual and ecological anchor. It preserves a natural core within the architectural composition, reinforcing the idea that the landscape itself remains the primary inhabitant of the site.

Biophilic Architecture Through Material and Form

One of the most powerful aspects of the proposal is its material language. The structure uses natural textures, soft earth-toned pathways, vertical timber elements, and green roofing systems to establish a visual continuity with the Australian landscape.

The vertical facade system references eucalyptus forests, the primary habitat and food source for koalas. These slender structural elements mimic tree trunks, blurring the boundary between architecture and vegetation.

This strategy strengthens the project’s biophilic identity by:

• improving visual integration with the site
• reducing the institutional character of the facility
• creating filtered natural light conditions
• enhancing thermal performance
• supporting psychological comfort for both animals and visitors

The curved roof system further amplifies the organic architectural language. Instead of rigid geometries, the building embraces fluid forms inspired directly by nature.

Green Roof Systems and Sustainable Design Strategies

Sustainability is deeply embedded into the project’s architectural system. The proposal incorporates a layered green roof assembly designed to improve thermal performance, water retention, and ecological integration.

The roof system includes:

• vegetation layers
• drainage systems
• waterproof membranes
• insulation
• substrate protection layers

By extending the landscape over the building envelope, the project reduces heat gain while enhancing biodiversity across the site. The roof also visually minimizes the building footprint when viewed from above, allowing the architecture to disappear into the terrain.

This sustainable architecture strategy supports:

• passive environmental control
• reduced energy consumption
• stormwater management
• habitat continuity
• improved microclimatic conditions

The partially embedded structure additionally uses the earth itself as thermal insulation, reducing dependence on mechanical systems.

Human and Wildlife Interaction

A defining aspect of Koalas Claw is its attempt to reconnect people with wildlife through architecture. Rather than separating rehabilitation from public awareness, the project carefully choreographs moments of observation, learning, and interaction.

The visitor center, museum, and exhibition spaces create opportunities for environmental education while maintaining protected rehabilitation zones for the animals. This duality transforms the project from a simple veterinary facility into an immersive conservation experience.

The circulation strategy encourages slow movement through open courtyards, landscape pathways, and framed views toward nature. Visitors are not simply entering a building. They are entering a restored ecological environment.

This reinforces a growing movement in contemporary architecture where buildings are no longer isolated objects but active ecological participants.

Spatial Organization and Environmental Flow

The floor plan demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of environmental flow and programmatic hierarchy. The curved layout naturally separates public and private functions while maintaining clear circulation routes for staff, visitors, and medical operations.

The geometry allows:

• controlled access to treatment zones
• efficient movement between medical spaces
• integrated outdoor rehabilitation areas
• uninterrupted landscape continuity

The flowing spatial arrangement avoids rigid institutional corridors and instead creates a softer architectural experience aligned with natural movement patterns.

This approach contributes significantly to the emotional quality of the project, making the environment less clinical and more restorative.

Architecture as Ecological Infrastructure

Koalas Claw proposes a future where architecture acts as ecological infrastructure rather than environmental disruption. The project demonstrates how sustainable architecture can simultaneously address conservation, education, healthcare, and landscape restoration.

The design moves beyond aesthetics to explore how architecture can actively participate in healing damaged relationships between humans and ecosystems.

Through its integrated green roof systems, landscape-sensitive planning, biophilic design principles, and wildlife-centered spatial organization, the project becomes more than a rehabilitation center. It becomes a model for environmentally conscious architecture in fragile ecological contexts.

Designed by Chingiz Agharzayev and shortlisted in Haven 2020, Koalas Claw presents an inspiring vision of biophilic architecture rooted in empathy, sustainability, and ecological coexistence.

Its flowing geometry, landscape integration, wildlife-focused planning, and environmentally responsive systems demonstrate how architecture can become a mediator between nature and human activity. By transforming the symbolic form of a koala claw into an immersive spatial experience, the project creates a meaningful dialogue between conservation and design.

At a time when environmental resilience is becoming central to architectural practice, Koalas Claw stands as a powerful example of how sustainable architecture can support both ecological restoration and human awareness through thoughtful, landscape-driven design.