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Helium-Lifted Tents of Recycled Plastic in a Desert Landscape

Author:
Paola Zatti
Helium-Lifted Tents of Recycled Plastic in a Desert Landscape

Project in-detail

Lifting above the desert floor, helium-supported tents made from recycled plastic provide guests with an immersive experience, connecting them to the surrounding landscape while ensuring ecological efficiency in their stay.
5 key facts about this project
01
Helium gas lifts the lightweight tent structures, reducing ground impact.
02
Rooms feature walls made from recycled plastic film for transparency and views.
03
Design mimics the natural contours of desert dunes for aesthetic cohesion.
04
Photovoltaic panels supply renewable energy for onsite operations.
05
Common areas are centrally located to encourage social interaction among guests.

The Megadunes Ecolodges in Abu Dhabi represent a modern approach to sustainable hospitality. The design focuses on creating floating structures that enhance the connection between visitors and the surrounding desert landscape. Each room resembles a tent, supported by buoyant helium. This innovative concept allows the lodges to sit lightly on the earth, offering a unique experience that encourages engagement with nature.

Conceptual Framework

At the foundation of the Ecolodges is the effective use of helium to lift the tents, resulting in a light and airy atmosphere. Each room is made from recycled plastic film, which provides transparency and allows for panoramic views of the desert. This choice of material speaks to environmental responsibility while enhancing the guest experience. Being surrounded by nature becomes a central theme of the stay.

Spatial Configuration

The layout features two gentle curves echoing the natural shapes of dunes. This arrangement is both visually interesting and functional, encouraging exploration among guests. Common areas are located in the middle, serving as spaces for social interaction. This design invites guests to gather, fostering an atmosphere of community. The flowing lines of the building reflect the landscape, creating a harmonious relationship between the architecture and its surroundings.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of the Ecolodges. Photovoltaic panels are incorporated into the design to generate solar energy for the hotel. This energy supports various services, including air conditioning. An underground water tank and septic systems further contribute to the ecological efficiency of the project. Together, these elements reduce the environmental impact while maintaining modern comfort for guests.

Material Utilization

The extensive use of recycled materials highlights the commitment to environmental care. The recycled plastic film is not only practical but also enriches the overall aesthetic of the lodges. Choosing materials with sustainability in mind demonstrates how design can support eco-friendly practices. Each room features wood flooring, which interacts with the air conditioning system. This detail adds to the overall comfort and enhances the guest experience within the spaces.

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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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