In Sharjah, the capital of the emirate of the same name, it is not only the traditional buildings that provide examples of Islamic art and culture. As part of the Khalid Lagoon Island Development, a new artistic and constructional interpretation of the traditional designs of Islamic ornamentation was built on Noor Island. In this architectural gem, two intertwining, curving surfaces, covered in golden flowers, surround a glazed butterfly house and a café. In accordance with the design concepts of the 3deluxe design and architectural practice from Wiesbaden, this structure creates a unique atmosphere of light and shade in the building’s interior.

The roof of steel and aluminium composite panels appears light and delicate. The curving free-form surface of the roof structure is bordered by 3D-curved circular hollow sections that are supported at nine points only and achieve a clear span of more than 20m over the entrance zone. Between these peripheral members, a triangular lattice of welded steel sections allows plenty of daylight to reach the interior. A golden flower made from an aluminium composite panel decorates every node. This principle is reversed at the edge, where isolated petals are punched out of solid surfaces.