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Fluid Forms of Etfe and Concrete Nestled Within the Desert Landscape

Author:
Jean Awkar
Fluid Forms of Etfe and Concrete Nestled Within the Desert Landscape
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Nestled within the shifting sand dunes, the design employs ETFE and reinforced concrete to create a network of adaptive lodges that harmonize with the desert environment while offering sustainable hospitality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a translucent ETFE membrane for enhanced thermal insulation and natural lighting.
02
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems integrated into the overall design.
03
Features a serpentine layout resembling natural dune formations for optimized airflow.
04
Includes flexible interior spaces that adapt to various guest activities and needs.
05
Employs locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact and support sustainability.

The Nomadic Dune project is an architectural initiative located in the Arabian Oryx Protected Area in the UAE. This design aims to create a harmonious living space amidst the unique desert landscape, offering luxurious accommodations while emphasizing sustainability and ecological awareness. The project is structured to facilitate an immersive experience for guests, integrating modern architecture with the principles of environmental stewardship.

Design Concept and Functionality

The Nomadic Dune is characterized by its serpentine form, which mimics the natural curves of sand dunes. This design approach not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also serves a functional purpose by promoting natural ventilation and light penetration. The structure includes 25 standard lodges and six VIP lodges, designed to offer comfort and luxury while fostering a sense of community through shared common areas.

The use of ETFE (Ethelene Tetrafluoroethylene) for the architectural skin provides advantages such as thermal insulation and transparency, allowing guests to engage visually with the surrounding environment. Reinforced concrete serves as a structural backbone, ensuring durability while allowing for the organic shapes present in the overall design. Metal components complement the ETFE, contributing to the strength and visual continuity of the project.

Sustainability and Environmental Integration

Unique to the Nomadic Dune project is its commitment to sustainability through passive design principles. The orientation of the lodges is strategically planned to maximize natural light and promote airflow, which is crucial in a desert climate. Features such as rainwater harvesting systems align with the project’s ecological goals, ensuring responsible usage of natural resources.

The interior spaces utilize plaster and textured paints that reflect the natural hues of the desert. This choice reinforces the design’s intention to blend architecture with its environment seamlessly. Additionally, the flexible internal layout of the lodges allows for adaptability, catering to various activities and enhancing the overall guest experience.

Innovative Architectural Approaches

The Nomadic Dune’s architectural approach includes an emphasis on interconnected spaces that balance private retreats with communal areas. This design fosters interaction among guests while providing solitude in individual lodgings. The concept of nomadism is central to the project, celebrating a lifestyle that thrives in harmony with nature.

The integration of natural materials and innovative technologies distinguishes this project from typical desert lodgings. By prioritizing ecological sustainability and comfort, the Nomadic Dune sets a precedent for future architectural endeavors in arid environments.

Readers interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs related to this project are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation. By examining the architectural ideas behind the Nomadic Dune, you can gain valuable insights into contemporary desert architecture and sustainable design practices.

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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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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.

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