Close

Step inside the Butterfly House on Al Noor Island

Designed and executed by the German design studio 3deluxe, the Butterfly House carries iconographic architecture in an urban biotope

Butterfly House Al Noor island

Nestled within the lush Noor Island Park in Sharjah, the Butterfly House is a masterpiece of innovative architecture that merges biophilic design with cultural sensitivity. Designed and executed by the German design studio 3deluxe, this extraordinary structure serves as the architectural centrepiece of Noor Island—a transformed urban oasis offering a blend of tranquillity and stimulation amidst Sharjah’s towering skyline.

The Butterfly House captivates with its organically shaped steel structure, covered in a shimmering, golden roof adorned with thousands of star-shaped metal blossoms. This ornamentally perforated canopy not only shelters the tropical rainforest habitat inside but also creates intricate patterns on the glass pavilion as sunlight filters through. The biomorphic roof is a visual metaphor, evoking the delicate cocoon of a butterfly. Spanning 800 square meters, it rests on tree-like steel columns with a network of nodes and triangular connections, achieving structural balance while maintaining an ethereal aesthetic.

Butterfly House Al Noor island

Butterfly House Al Noor island

Advanced finite element method (FEM) calculations achieved the roof’s complex geometry, reducing the theoretical 4,000 nodes to just 600—demonstrating a perfect balance of efficiency and variation. Each aluminum petal, only 3 millimetres thick, seamlessly converges at the nodes, with connections and joints invisibly integrated, resulting in a “flickering” canopy of petals that casts dynamic shadows below.

Incorporating light as a central theme, the Butterfly House pays homage to Arab cultural traditions while embracing modernity. During the day, the interplay of sunlight and shadow creates a serene, almost sacred atmosphere. At night, the building transforms into a living entity. Individually controllable LED lights embedded within the steel nodes bring the structure to life, with dynamic patterns sweeping across the façade. This captivating display evokes a swarm of butterflies coming together and drifting apart, creating a magical, ever-changing rhythm that mesmerises visitors.

The designers paid special attention to the materials used for the structure to ensure durability against the region’s harsh sun and saltwater environment. From anodised aluminum petals to powder-coated steel nodes, the carefully selected finishes create a harmonious golden palette while meeting maritime-grade standards.

 Butterfly House Al Noor island

Inside the Butterfly House, a tropical rainforest habitat flourishes, housing over 500 exotic butterflies from over 20 species sourced from East Asia and South America. Visitors can stroll through this vibrant biotope while enjoying the serene ambiance of the attached cafe and souvenir shop. This space is not merely a pavilion but an urban retreat that bridges technology, nature, and culture.

3deluxe has reimagined Noor Island, once a barren and overlooked patch of land, into a landscape garden for the 21st century. The park integrates electronic media, cutting-edge architecture, and lush greenery to create a complex spatial experience. Here, modernity and tradition coexist, offering visitors a sanctuary of peace amidst Sharjah’s bustling urban environment.

Butterfly House Al Noor island

Butterfly House Al Noor island

The Butterfly House has garnered international acclaim, earning accolades such as the WAN Metal in Architecture Award and recognition at the Iconic Awards 2016. Its design reflects a harmonious blend of engineering precision, biophilic inspiration, and cultural resonance. The shimmering gold roof, visible from afar, stands as a beacon of innovation, marking Noor Island as a destination where art, nature, and architecture converge.

With its combination of expressive design and ecological integration, the Butterfly House exemplifies how architecture can transcend functionality to become a symbol of beauty and contemplation, offering a unique escape into nature amidst the high-rises of a modern metropolis.

The Latest

Revealed: The venue and date for the identity Design Awards 2025

Save the date for the much awaited gala night.

Crate & Barrel x Jake Arnold The Hartford 90 Wood Outdoor Sofa by Jake Arnold

Conscious design, textural sophistication, and seasonal comfort: What Crate & Barrel and CB2 bring to the GCC with New Stores and Collection

With fresh openings in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Crate & Barrel and CB2 unveil a Fall/Winter collection that blends tactile design, sustainability, and exclusive collaborations, bringing global style closer to regional homes.

Surface Appeal

Global surfaces leader Cosentino launches four new quartzite options in the Sensa range

Dubai Design Week 2025

Dubai Design Week 2025 reveals an exciting 11th edition programme

Taking place from 4-9 November 2025, Dubai Design Week this year centres around community.

Rooted in Stillness

Casa Tranquilo by DADO offers an immersive retreat into nature

Treetop Sanctuary

The Ritz-Carlton’s intimate treetop retreat offers a rare invitation to connect deeply with nature and culture

Desert Counterpoint

In Summerlin, Nevada, Faulkner Architects and Concept Lighting Lab have revealed a desert home that withstands extremities

On Building to Last

We interview selected architects and interior designers to talk about balancing permanence and progress across their projects

The Culture of Quality

A conversation with Maryam Raeisi, Managing Director of HMA Living by Al Shamsi

What to expect at Feria Habitat Valencia

This year’s fair is set to take place between 29 September and 2 October

ARTDOM Expands to the Middle East

Daria Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, discusses the brand’s upcoming first major art forum congress, being held at Riyadh on 11-12 November 2025

A Perfect Balance

A bespoke villa in Dubai Hills Grove designed by XBD Collective blends contemporary elegance with high-end craftsmanship