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Electrochromic Glass Facades Enhancing Wildlife Viewing in Desert Lodges

Authors:
Noora Hijra, Jordan Yule, Jingzhou Sun
Electrochromic Glass Facades Enhancing Wildlife Viewing in Desert Lodges
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Electrochromic glass facades allow for dynamic light control and wildlife observation in a desert setting, creating a unique experience for guests in luxury lodges designed for stargazing and ecological immersion.
5 key facts about this project
01
Electrochromic glass adjusts tint based on sunlight, enhancing wildlife visibility.
02
Curved facades provide expansive views while blending with the desert landscape.
03
Native plantings attract local fauna and minimize ecological impact.
04
Modular design allows the Common Hub to adapt for various communal activities.
05
Skylights facilitate passive ventilation and stargazing opportunities for guests.

The architectural design features the Standard Lodge, VIP Lodge, and Common Hub, located in a desert area designed to enhance experiences such as wildlife viewing and stargazing. The overall concept focuses on integrating built spaces with the natural environment while drawing from traditional architectural styles to meet contemporary needs.

Design of the Standard Lodge

The Standard Lodge offers guests opportunities for evening wildlife viewing and stargazing. The structure has a curved facade that creates expansive views of the desert landscape. A significant skylight allows for passive ventilation and facilitates star observation, contributing to a unique experience for visitors.



Technological Features

Low-energy electrochromic tinting technology is used on the lodge's glazed surfaces, responding to changing light conditions. This system reduces solar exposure during the day and clears at night, optimizing views for observing wildlife. Additionally, anti-glare film improves visibility, while interior curtains and external shutters provide privacy and control light levels for guests.



VIP Lodge Enhancements

The VIP Lodge builds on the design principles of the Standard Lodge, offering more space and luxury features. It includes a larger washroom with screened windows, along with an expansive indoor viewing platform. The second-floor lounge and outdoor patio provide a direct connection to the desert environment, enhancing comfort and privacy for guests.



Common Hub and Landscape Integration

The Common Hub acts as a gathering space, inspired by traditional Bedouin tents. Designed for communal activities, it facilitates interaction among guests while employing features that respond to the desert climate. The landscaping incorporates native plants that attract local wildlife and support ecological balance. Treated greywater is used for irrigation, helping maintain vegetation that provides hydration and habitat for animals.

The design also includes a glazed floor panel at the entrance, revealing small desert animals seeking shelter, further connecting guests to the local ecosystem.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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