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Curved Design with Biodegradable Wood in Desert Lodges

Author:
Shaheen Tabatabaie
Curved Design with Biodegradable Wood in Desert Lodges

Project in-detail

The curved forms of the lodges, constructed from biodegradable plastic wood, blend seamlessly with the desert landscape while providing communal and private spaces for residents to engage with their natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved design reflects the natural contours of the desert dunes.
02
Biodegradable plastic wood is the primary construction material used.
03
Communal gathering space emphasizes social interaction among residents.
04
Interior spaces feature strategically placed Sky Lights for natural illumination.
05
Integration with the desert landscape enhances the overall aesthetic experience.

The Wind Curved Sand Lodges project is located in a quiet desert area, where vast stretches of sand, wind, and sky set an inspiring scene for design. The main idea is to connect the buildings with the landscape, creating spaces that encourage social interaction while still providing private areas for retreat. The approach balances practicality with a respect for the environment, enhancing the experience of those who occupy the lodges.

Design Concept

The overall design focuses on blending the lodges into the natural contours of the sand dunes. The shapes of the buildings mirror the flowing lines of the landscape. Communal areas, such as the Lake Dining Gathering Space, are carefully placed to promote gatherings and shared moments. This central space marks a point of interaction, fostering a sense of community among residents.

Functionality

Each area serves a distinct purpose, enhancing usability throughout the project. The Waiting Area serves as a gateway, facilitating smooth transitions between different spaces. Meanwhile, the Power House symbolizes essential support for the lodges. The careful arrangement of these functional zones ensures that every space has specific roles while contributing to a united architectural vision.

Materiality

The use of biodegradable plastic wood as the main construction material reflects a conscious choice towards sustainability. This decision aligns with current architectural trends that prioritize eco-friendly practices. The flexible wall panels made from this material adapt to the building’s flowing forms, allowing them to connect visually with the shifting dunes. Such material choices not only address environmental concerns but also influence the visual appeal of the structures.

Design Detail

Sky Lights play a significant role in the design, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces. They create a strong connection between the residents and the expansive sky above. This feature enhances the experience of being present in the desert, where changing light from sunrise to sunset transforms the atmosphere. At night, residents can gaze at the stars, deepening their relationship with the surroundings.

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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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