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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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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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