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Curvilinear Spaces Crafted from Sustainable Timber and Natural Elements in Arid Retreat

Authors:
Marta Mojsik, Klaudia Niedziałek, Beata Murdzia
Curvilinear Spaces Crafted from Sustainable Timber and Natural Elements in Arid Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted with curvilinear forms and sustainable wood, this eco-conscious retreat embraces the desert landscape while providing a serene environment for communal living and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates round shapes that echo traditional Bedouin tents, reinterpreting them with modern materials.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for superior insulation tailored to the desert climate.
03
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
04
Astronomical motifs are integrated into the layout, allowing guests to engage with the night sky.
05
Community spaces are designed to foster social interaction while ensuring privacy in personal lodges.
The Eco Lodge project in Abu Dhabi presents a thoughtful integration of architecture and sustainability, designed to accommodate guests while respecting the unique characteristics of the desert environment. This project reflects a modern interpretation of traditional Bedouin living, fostering a connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape. The Eco Lodge serves as a retreat that emphasizes communal spaces alongside private accommodations, creating an atmosphere that encourages interaction among visitors while providing areas of solitude.

The function of the Eco Lodge extends beyond mere accommodation; it aims to immerse guests in the natural beauty of the desert while promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. The lodges are strategically designed to enable residents to engage deeply with the arid surroundings, allowing them to experience the landscape's vastness and tranquillity. Central to this project is a series of interconnected structures that encapsulate living, social, and recreational spaces, each reflecting a commitment to functionality and user comfort.

The architectural design features circular forms rooted in the principles of sustainability. Each lodge, including standard units and a luxurious VIP option, showcases a layout that prioritizes natural light and cross-ventilation. This is achieved through the careful placement of windows and openings that facilitate airflow while minimizing heat exposure common in desert climates. The circular configuration not only creates a sense of community and unity among guests but also establishes smooth circulation routes within the space, enhancing the overall user experience.

A distinctive element of the Eco Lodge lies in its material selection, which plays a crucial role in both aesthetic and environmental performance. The project predominantly utilizes wood as a primary building material, chosen for its renewable qualities and natural insulation properties. Complementing this, lightweight yet durable steel framing provides structural support, while polycarbonate panels are incorporated into the design to enhance the building's energy efficiency and allow for ample daylight. Integrating photovoltaic panels is essential for harnessing solar energy, promoting the project’s aim for self-sufficiency and reducing its carbon footprint.

Beyond functionality, the design presents innovative approaches to blend contemporary architectural ideas with the cultural heritage of the region. The circular structures draw parallels to traditional tents while employing modern building practices, creating a dialogue between past and present. Furthermore, elements of astronomy are thoughtfully integrated within the design, offering guests not only a visual connection to the stars but also enriching their experience through astronomy-focused facilities.

Important details within the project include communal gathering spaces carefully designed to encourage social interaction. These areas foster a sense of community among guests, with amenities such as shared kitchens and recreational zones, all while maintaining comfortable private lodges for personal retreat. The overarching layout facilitates a balance between communal engagement and personal privacy, adding layers of functionality to the experience of staying at the Eco Lodge.

The Eco Lodge thus represents a meaningful exploration of architectural possibilities within a challenging environment. By prioritizing sustainability and community-centric design, it stands as a thoughtful response to contemporary hospitality needs, all while respecting its unique context. For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this project further, including detailed architectural plans and sections that reveal the thoughtful design approaches employed, delving into the project presentation will provide a richer understanding of how architecture, function, and design converge in this exemplary model of eco-conscious living.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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