The architectural design located in the Arabian Oryx Protected Area features energy-efficient solar domes that offer a unique glamping experience while blending with the desert landscape. Designed to harness the region's strong sunlight, these domes focus on sustainability and comfort. The layout incorporates several lodges organized around a central common hub, which enhances community interaction and connects guests to nature.

Design Layout

The arrangement of lodges includes three wings—east, west, and south—joined by shaded pathways. This layout encourages movement among guests and creates a connection between built structures and the natural surroundings. Most lodges point north to capture maximum sunlight, which improves the effectiveness of the solar panels mounted on their southern-facing roofs.

Materiality

The choice of materials is essential for how the domes function and appear. Precast concrete bases provide stability in the shifting desert sands, while a steel structure supports the dome shapes. Composite aluminum panels cover the external surfaces, giving the lodges strength against harsh weather. Inside, triple-glazed glass prevents heat transfer, allows for natural light, and offers expansive views of the landscape.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key focus. Each dome generates half of its energy through an integrated solar photovoltaic system. The rest comes from an additional solar setup on-site. Energy is stored in batteries located in each lodge, allowing for off-grid living. The common hub serves as a visitor center, featuring a reception area, display space, and a restaurant.

Outdoor shaded areas and two courtyards invite natural light and greenery, enhancing the living environment. The use of open spaces, along with warm wooden beams and natural shapes, fosters a welcoming atmosphere while emphasizing the relationship with the surrounding ecology. The design invites guests to engage with the desert landscape, encouraging a deeper appreciation of this unique environment.