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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

Project in-detail

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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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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