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Circular Lodges with Central Skylight Inspired by Traditional Bedouin Tents

Authors:
José María Hernández Martínez, Julian Barone Ramírez
Circular Lodges with Central Skylight Inspired by Traditional Bedouin Tents
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Inspired by Bedouin tents, the circular lodge design incorporates a central skylight, fostering a unique connection to the desert landscape while serving as an inviting accommodation for guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, enhancing cultural connection.
02
Central patio designed for private stargazing experiences.
03
Circular arrangement promotes communal interaction among guests.
04
Flexible wooden structure allows for easy assembly in various locations.
05
Distinct variability in module height caters to diverse functional needs.

The Mega Dunes Eco Lodges project is located in a desert setting, where the design connects with the natural landscape. It is inspired by the traditional tents of Bedouins, featuring a circular layout of modular units that serve various functions. The overall design concept revolves around simplicity and flexibility, reflecting an understanding of desert living while focusing on the comfort of its visitors and their interaction with the environment.

Circular Arrangement

The design consists of multiple tent modules arranged in a circular pattern, which helps in creating an organized space. Each module varies in height and shape based on its specific use, contributing to a unified yet varied visual experience. This arrangement encourages social interaction while allowing privacy for each unit, promoting a sense of community among guests.

Central Patio

A key feature of the lodge is the central patio, which provides a private area for guests to enjoy the night sky. This space allows visitors to experience the stars, enhancing their relationship with the vastness of the desert. The inclusion of a skylight in the central patio brings in natural light during the day and creates an intimate setting at night, enriching the overall experience of the lodge.

Materiality

The building primarily uses a simple wooden framework, aligning well with the design’s goals. Wood complements the natural surroundings and aids in sustainability, allowing for easy assembly in different locations. This choice highlights a commitment to reducing environmental impact while creating a warm and welcoming feel.

The spatial layout includes both standard and VIP lodges, each designed with essential living spaces such as bathrooms and living rooms, organized for comfort. In addition to these individual lodges, a common hub provides gathering spaces and dining areas. This setup fosters social interaction among guests, creating an inviting community atmosphere throughout the lodge, while the design encourages a connection to the surrounding landscape.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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