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Eco-friendly lodges featuring sand-brick construction and sustainable energy systems in a desert landscape

Author:
Heba Elkalyoubi
Eco-friendly lodges featuring sand-brick construction and sustainable energy systems in a desert landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled within the Arabian Oryx Protected Area, this eco-friendly lodge project uniquely incorporates sand-brick construction and sustainable energy solutions, seamlessly blending modern hospitality with the timeless beauty of the desert landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The lodges utilize locally sourced sand-bricks, reducing transportation emissions and promoting regional craftsmanship.
02
Each unit incorporates advanced photovoltaic energy systems, enhancing sustainability and minimizing reliance on non-renewable resources.
03
The design emphasizes natural ventilation with strategically placed openings, optimizing airflow and indoor comfort without mechanical cooling.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the architecture, ensuring efficient water use for landscape irrigation and guest utilities.
05
Communal spaces are thoughtfully arranged to encourage social interaction while maintaining the privacy of individual lodges.
The architectural design project for Silistia Lodges is positioned within the stunning context of the Arabian Oryx Protected Area, which underscores a harmonious relationship between architecture and the surrounding desert landscape. This project represents a thoughtful approach to creating eco-friendly accommodations that prioritize sustainable practices while offering visitors an immersive experience in nature. The lodges serve both as private retreats and as communal settings, reflecting a deep understanding of the cultural and environmental nuances of the region.

As an architectural endeavor, Silistia Lodges emphasizes low-impact living in a harsh desert environment. The design integrates traditional and contemporary influences, showcasing materials and forms that resonate with the local topography and climate. Each lodge is purposefully designed to blend into its surroundings, utilizing a low-profile structure that minimizes disruption to the natural ecosystem. The overall layout encourages exploration while maintaining respect for individual privacy, allowing users to fully appreciate the vastness of the desert landscape.

Key components of the project include well-appointed lodges designed to foster comfort and connection to the environment. These units feature thoughtful orientations and expansive openings that promote natural ventilation and light, reducing reliance on artificial climate control systems. Additionally, the integration of communal spaces serves to enhance social interaction among guests, creating a sense of community in an otherwise solitary environment. The central hub functions as a gathering point, facilitating shared experiences and interactions while still allowing for personal retreat.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the design of Silistia Lodges. A selection of local materials, such as sand-bricks and terracotta, is employed not only for their thermal and aesthetic qualities but also to minimize the carbon footprint associated with construction. Light-weight panels and concrete structures contribute to the project's resilience against harsh weather conditions, while eco-friendly finishes further underscore a commitment to sustainability. The addition of photovoltaic panels enhances energy efficiency, embodying a practical response to the challenges posed by the desert climate.

Mechanisms such as natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and grey water recycling define the project's environmental strategies. These systems ensure that the accommodations remain comfortable and sustainable, minimizing the ecological impact while providing essential resources for both guests and the surrounding ecosystem. By effectively managing water resources and energy consumption, Silistia Lodges serves as a model for future developments in similar terrains.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The careful planning of outdoor spaces encourages interaction with the environment, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of starry nights while sheltered from the elements. Furthermore, the architectural design reflects the important cultural narratives of the region, paying homage to traditional building practices while incorporating modern sustainability techniques.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Silistia Lodges project and its architectural intricacies, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs will provide valuable insights. This project stands as an example of how thoughtful architecture can enhance the natural landscape while providing comfortable, functional spaces for human engagement. Explore the presentation to uncover more about the architectural ideas that define this innovative endeavor.
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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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