Get inspired!

17,197 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Kirigami-Inspired Eco Lodges With ETFE Canopies and Sustainable Timber Elements

Author:
Khushboo Gupta
Kirigami-Inspired Eco Lodges With ETFE Canopies and Sustainable Timber Elements

Project in-detail

Crafted using kirigami-inspired forms and ETFE canopies, these eco lodges harmoniously integrate sustainable timber elements within the desert landscape, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience in eco-tourism.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a modular design to allow efficient assembly and disassembly.
02
Incorporates passive ventilation systems through solar chimneys for natural climate control.
03
Features kirigami-inspired architectural forms that enhance aerodynamics and aesthetics.
04
Utilizes ETFE canopies to maximize natural light while ensuring thermal insulation.
05
Integrates traditional Bedouin textiles into interior spaces, reflecting local cultural heritage.
The Dynamic Sands Eco Lodges project is situated within the Arabian Oryx Protected Area. This architectural design serves as a model for sustainable tourism, merging modern design principles with local cultural influences. It utilizes innovative materials and techniques, demonstrating functionality, sustainability, and cultural representation in an arid landscape.

The project consists of modular lodges that follow a cohesive yet diverse arrangement, allowing for unique spatial experiences. Each lodge provides an intimate setting for visitors, promoting interaction while ensuring privacy. The staggered layout allows unobstructed views of the surrounding environment, emphasizing the connection between the inhabitant and the landscape.

Sustainable architecture is a fundamental aspect of the design. The structure employs lightweight materials, such as wood and ETFE, designed to withstand the desert climate while minimizing ecological impact. The integration of passive ventilation through solar chimneys and wind catchers significantly reduces reliance on mechanical systems, promoting energy efficiency. This reflects a commitment to ecological consideration while enhancing occupant comfort.

Integrating cultural elements distinguishes this project from typical eco-lodges. Traditional Bedouin textiles are used in the interior spaces, providing a vibrant aesthetic that resonates with local heritage. The design also incorporates kirigami-inspired patterns that create dynamic forms, reflecting the shifting sands of the desert terrain. This innovative approach enhances both structural integrity and visual appeal.

The architecture of the Dynamic Sands Eco Lodges emphasizes adaptability and flexibility. The internal arrangements cater to various functions, making the spaces versatile for different visitor needs. Additionally, the lightweight and modular nature of the structures allows for efficient assembly and disassembly, further supporting sustainable practices.

For a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of this project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore further details. An in-depth review of the architectural ideas presented will provide a clearer insight into the functional and aesthetic components of this unique project.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,197 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy