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Cross-Laminated Timber Lodges Combining Natural Cooling and Greywater Recycling in Desert Oasis

Author:
Daniel Fleming Collaço
Cross-Laminated Timber Lodges Combining Natural Cooling and Greywater Recycling in Desert Oasis
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber and advanced natural cooling strategies, this desert lodging integrates sustainable practices with a design that respects the surrounding landscape and promotes efficient water use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber for enhanced sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural ventilation and cooling.
04
Employs a greywater recycling system to conserve water resources effectively.
05
Integrates adjustable pantograph shutters for customizable shading and airflow.

The Desert Jewel architectural project exemplifies a modern approach to sustainable design in the challenging climate of the Arabian Oryx Protected Area. This project focuses on providing a comfortable lodging experience while emphasizing environmental stewardship and architectural integration with the surrounding desert landscape. Each lodge is designed to offer privacy while maximizing views of the natural beauty, embodying a respectful coexistence between built and unbuilt environments.

The primary function of the Desert Jewel is to serve as a retreat, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique ecology of the desert. The design incorporates various spaces, including private lodges, communal areas for dining and social interaction, and outdoor environments that engage with the local ecosystem. The arrangement of these spaces fosters a sense of community among guests while allowing for individual retreat into the naturally designed lodges.

Innovative environmental strategies underpin this project, setting it apart from other architectural endeavors in similar contexts. The use of cross-laminated timber for structural elements offers not only strength but also improved thermal insulation, crucial for desert conditions. Solar energy is harnessed through photovoltaic panels, ensuring all energy needs are met sustainably. This reliance on renewable energy aligns with contemporary architectural ideas focused on ecological resilience.

Water conservation techniques further distinguish the Desert Jewel. Incorporating greywater recycling systems allows for efficient water use, while constructed wetlands serve to filter and reuse water, enhancing local biodiversity. Unique cooling strategies, such as natural ventilation and adjustable pantograph shutters, mitigate extreme heat and provide guests with control over their comfort levels.

The overall architectural design actively responds to the desert’s climate and landscape, employing a passive design philosophy to optimize the use of natural resources. The organic forms and non-linear layout reduce the visual impact on the environment and create a connection between the built structures and the surrounding scenery.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that inform this project, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of the Desert Jewel. This exploration will provide further insights into the innovative approaches and technical considerations that define this unique architectural endeavor.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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