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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

Project in-detail

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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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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