Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Community Focused Lodge Featuring Traditional Palm Leaves and Thermal Regulation Techniques

Authors:
Maryam Houda, Adam Hannouch
Community Focused Lodge Featuring Traditional Palm Leaves and Thermal Regulation Techniques

Project in-detail

Emphasizing traditional craftsmanship with locally sourced palm leaves and innovative thermal regulation methods, this lodge seamlessly integrates with the desert landscape to create a sustainable retreat focused on community interaction and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced palm leaves for structural and decorative elements, reflecting local building traditions.
02
Integrates transparent photovoltaic panels that blend into the design, maximizing natural light while generating renewable energy.
03
Features a Barjeel-inspired roof design that enhances passive ventilation, promoting thermal comfort in a desert climate.
04
Encourages communal interaction through a central Common Hub that serves as a shared space for socialization and activities.
05
Offers both Standard and VIP lodges that cater to varying guest preferences while maintaining a consistent focus on community living.
El-Areesh Lodge is a thoughtfully conceived architectural project located in a serene desert environment, designed to reflect both traditional Bedouin culture and modern sustainable practices. This lodge serves as both accommodation and a communal hub, engaging guests with the natural landscape while offering a unique experience that connects visitors to the region's heritage.

The design of El-Areesh Lodge is characterized by its circular layout, which not only optimizes the use of space but also fosters a sense of community among guests. At the center of the project, the Common Hub acts as the heart of the lodge, providing a gathering space for social interaction. It incorporates a lounge area, dining facilities, and recreational spaces, encouraging connection and engagement among visitors in a manner reminiscent of traditional communal living.

Surrounding the Common Hub, the lodge features a variety of accommodations, including both VIP and Standard Lodges. The Standard Lodges are designed to promote flexibility and communal living, offering shared spaces that facilitate interaction. In contrast, the VIP Lodges provide more privacy and spacious amenities, with outdoor terraces that enhance the guests' experience of the desert landscape. This distinction in lodging types reflects a nuanced approach to hospitality that caters to diverse guest preferences while maintaining the core principles of community engagement.

A fundamental aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The architects have utilized local materials, especially date palms, which not only pay homage to the region's traditional building techniques but also minimize the environmental impact of construction. Date palm leaves are incorporated into both structural and decorative elements, emphasizing resourcefulness and cultural authenticity. Additionally, transparent photovoltaic panels are integrated into the design to harness solar energy, providing power for lighting and services while ensuring ample natural daylight permeates the interiors. This combination of traditional and modern materials forms a unique dialogue that characterizes the architecture of El-Areesh Lodge.

Another noteworthy feature of the design is its attention to thermal performance. The architectural forms have been engineered to promote passive ventilation and temperature regulation, crucial in the desert climate where temperature can fluctuate dramatically. The Barjeel-inspired roof design facilitates the rising of hot air, allowing cooler air to be maintained within the living spaces. Every element has been carefully considered to enhance energy efficiency and comfort for the lodge's occupants.

In addition to its physical attributes, El-Areesh Lodge embodies a philosophy that prioritizes harmony with the environment and respect for cultural traditions. The architects have clearly emphasized community-oriented design while ensuring that the lodge fits seamlessly within the desert setting. By embracing local craftsmanship and sustainable practices, El-Areesh Lodge not only provides a comfortable and engaging environment but also positions itself as a model for future architectural projects in similar contexts.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this unique architectural endeavor, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and design concepts can provide further insights into the thoughtful considerations that shaped El-Areesh Lodge. The intricate balance of function and cultural expression in this project offers a new perspective on how modern architecture can coexist with traditional values and ecological considerations. Discover more about the project's details and design approaches to appreciate the fascinating interplay of culture and sustainability within El-Areesh Lodge.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy