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Petal-Shaped PVC Tents in a Sustainable Desert Oasis

Authors:
Polina Kulikova, Milad Rohani
Petal-Shaped PVC Tents in a Sustainable Desert Oasis
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Constructed with petal-shaped PVC tents and designed to blend into the Arabian Desert landscape, the eco-lodge offers guests a unique opportunity to experience sustainable luxury while connecting with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Petal-shaped tents provide a unique visual and functional design element.
02
Shallow water catchments utilize recycled water to attract local wildlife.
03
Solar-powered golf carts ensure minimal ecological disturbance on-site.
04
Each unit features outdoor beds for sleeping under the stars.
05
An atmospheric water generator captures moisture for sustainable water use.

The Oasis tent hotel project is located in the vast Arabian Desert and provides a unique lodging experience that blends with its natural environment. Inspired by local Jasmine flowers and the outline of the Arabian Oryx, the design creates a connection between guests and their surroundings. This approach reflects the natural beauty of the region, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the desert landscape.

Design Concept

The layout includes twenty-five standard tents and four VIP units, arranged to balance privacy and social interaction. Illuminated pathways guide guests through the sandy terrain, enhancing their experience of the site. Each tent features outdoor beds shaped like petals, making it possible for visitors to appreciate the starlit sky directly from their accommodations.

Common Areas

The common area serves as a central gathering space for guests. Upon arrival, visitors enter a lobby that offers wide views of the desert landscape. An indoor/outdoor restaurant accommodates dining in various weather conditions. Additional amenities, such as a library and outdoor fire pits, encourage relaxation and socializing. The inclusion of wellness facilities like a gym and yoga room supports a complete guest experience.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is an important focus of the Oasis design. Shallow water catchments use recycled water to attract local wildlife, particularly the Arabian Oryx. The design avoids paved paths, instead relying on solar-powered golf carts to limit disturbance to the environment. Native desert plants are strategically placed around the structures, enhancing privacy and contributing to the overall oasis experience.

Materials and Construction

The tents utilize clear, thick, and tear-resistant PVC, which allows natural light while keeping the interior comfortable. Prefabricated wooden planks are raised on an egg-crate base, providing stability in the challenging desert conditions. An EBS Soil Stabilizer protects the wooden elements from sand erosion. An atmospheric water generator captures moisture from the air, aiding in water conservation. Solar panels, integrated into the design, supply electricity and improve the project's self-reliance.

At each tent, outdoor beds combine practicality with a visual connection to the desert. Guests can enjoy the experience of sleeping under the open sky, fully engaging with the impressive landscape that surrounds them.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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