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Curved Glass Facades and BSH Beams Enhance Desert Lodges' Connection to Nature

Authors:
Kiril Georgiev, DETELINA BAKALOVA
Curved Glass Facades and BSH Beams Enhance Desert Lodges' Connection to Nature

Project in-detail

Curved glass facades and BSH beams define lodges that enhance the desert experience through sustainable design and communal spaces for relaxation and observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved glass façades provide panoramic views while minimizing energy use.
02
BSH beams enhance structural integrity and aesthetic appeal in the design.
03
Solar panel systems are integrated to support energy efficiency throughout the lodges.
04
The Common Hub features museum boards that educate visitors on local ecology.
05
Observation areas are strategically placed to foster engagement with the desert landscape.

The Mega Dunes Ecolodges is located in the arid landscape of Abu Dhabi and aims to combine luxury with sustainability. The design features different types of lodges, including Standard and VIP options, along with a central Common Hub. These components work together, promoting community while respecting the desert environment.

Design Concept

The design focuses on creating a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors. Each lodge is carefully placed to make the most of sunlight and natural ventilation. The use of curved shapes allows for beautiful views, helping guests feel at one with the surrounding landscape.

Materials and Construction

The construction uses steel Box and C profiles, providing sturdiness while keeping material use efficient. Glued BSH Column-beams enhance both structural strength and visual appeal. Inside, materials like gypsum fibreboard and epoxy flooring are chosen for their sustainability and practicality, ensuring the spaces remain inviting and easy to maintain.

Functional Spaces

The Common Hub serves as a central meeting area for guests, covering 454 square meters. It includes informative museum boards that showcase aspects of local wildlife and culture. The hub also has practical areas like storage rooms, ticket counters, and accessible restrooms. Spaces for social interaction, such as an observation area and a bar, encourage connections among visitors.

Distinctive Features

A notable aspect of the design is the large curved glass façades that offer expansive views and allow natural light to pour in. Skylights are used thoughtfully to brighten the interior and lessen the need for electricity. These features create a welcoming atmosphere that blends comfort with an appreciation for the desert's natural beauty.

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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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