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Bamboo Tiles and Light Screens Shape a Sustainable Community Retreat in the Desert

Author:
Apollinaria Gorokhova
Bamboo Tiles and Light Screens Shape a Sustainable Community Retreat in the Desert

Project in-detail

Incorporating bamboo tiles and shaded light screens, this holiday complex embraces the desert environment while prioritizing sustainable living, creating a tranquil retreat for communal relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The complex features bamboo ceramic tiles for durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Light screens provide both shade and energy efficiency through potential solar integration.
03
Residential units include central terraces to enhance outdoor connectivity and views.
04
The public center offers multiple entrances, promoting accessibility and flow for visitors.
05
Curved pillars in communal spaces create a unique architectural identity and encourage social interaction.
The architectural project known as "An Oasis of Nature" stands as a thoughtful response to its unique environmental context in the Abu Dhabi dunes. This holiday complex is designed to foster an immersive experience with nature while providing the necessary comforts of modern living. Its architecture seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, promoting sustainability and community engagement.

At its core, the project embodies a vision of tranquility and reflection, serving as a retreat for individuals looking to connect with the serene desert surroundings. The design prioritizes the relationship between the built environment and the natural world, ensuring all aspects of the complex harmonize with the existing topography and climate. The complex consists of multiple residential units, a public center, and various outdoor spaces that encourage interaction and socialization among guests.

The residential units are compact, each spanning 50 square meters and catering to a maximum of two occupants. This design approach emphasizes intimacy while still providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Every unit features a central terrace, which not only enhances the outdoor experience but also serves as a vital connective element that links the dwelling to its environment. This outdoor space allows residents to enjoy the natural beauty that envelops them, strengthening the bond between architecture and nature.

A significant highlight of the project is the public center, elevated to offer vast vistas of the surroundings. This communal space is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring multiple entrances that streamline movement throughout the facility. Within this center, a capacious food court accommodates up to 40 guests, allowing for social interactions and communal dining, enhancing the property's function as a gathering place.

Architectural decisions extend to the overall layout and spatial organization, which cater to a wide range of users, including those with disabilities. By minimizing the use of walls, the design promotes an open, airy feeling throughout the complex, counteracting any potential sense of confinement. Bright platforms positioned under the buildings serve to create distinct zones while allowing for intuitive navigation of the property.

Unique design approaches observed within "An Oasis of Nature" include the innovative use of natural materials and architectural features that draw from local cultural influences. The structure incorporates massive boards, bamboo ceramic tiles, and textured decorative plaster, carefully selected for their environmental compatibility and aesthetic qualities. The inclusion of wooden light screens is particularly noteworthy, as these elements not only provide necessary shading from the intense desert sun but also introduce an attractive decorative aspect to the façade. These screens have the added benefit of being adaptable to include solar panels, thus enhancing energy efficiency while contributing to the building's overall sustainability.

This complex stands out due to its commitment to fostering a harmonious environment that emphasizes community building and interaction with nature. The architectural language distinctly reflects the local heritage while embracing contemporary solutions, ensuring that the design is both relevant and functional within its context.

As you explore the project presentation, consider delving into the architectural plans, sections, and designs that further illustrate the intricate and nuanced ideas behind this innovative complex. These details enable a deeper understanding of how "An Oasis of Nature" redefines the relationship between architecture and its surrounding environment, serving as a model for future developments in similar settings.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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