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Biophilic Design Using Adobe and Reclaimed Wood in Desert Lodges

Author:
Lily-love Toppar
Biophilic Design Using Adobe and Reclaimed Wood in Desert Lodges

Project in-detail

Harnessing the thermal properties of adobe and the warmth of reclaimed wood, the design seamlessly integrates into the desert landscape while providing sustainable lodging for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates adobe for passive thermal regulation, adapting to extreme desert temperatures.
02
Large panoramic windows offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape while minimizing heat gain.
03
Reclaimed wood elements enhance interior warmth and sustainability, reflecting local ecological practices.
04
A central communal area encourages social interaction between guests, promoting a sense of community.
05
Biophilic design principles create a strong connection to nature, integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces.

## Project Overview

Located in the Arabian Oryx Protected Area in Abu Dhabi, the Desert Crown project is designed to harmonize modern living with the desert environment. It aims to create an integrated, sustainable experience that acknowledges the unique characteristics of the region while providing luxury accommodations.

### Spatial Strategy and Organization

The layout consists of interconnected lodges arranged around a central communal area, fostering community interaction while maintaining privacy for individual accommodations. The organization emphasizes a balance between shared spaces for dining and recreation, with specific lodges catering to various guest needs. The design employs biomimicry, featuring curvilinear forms that reflect the patterns of desert dunes, while utilizing a geometric structure to enhance natural ventilation and light.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection is pivotal to the project's sustainability objectives. Traditional adobe is utilized for its thermal mass, regulating indoor temperatures effectively. High-performance glazing maximizes natural light and minimizes heat gain, while a lightweight steel framework offers structural resilience. The inclusion of reclaimed wood introduces organic texture, and eco-friendly insulation materials improve energy efficiency. Additional innovative features such as solar panels and water harvesting systems position the Desert Crown as a forward-thinking example of ecological responsiveness in architecture.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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