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Private Courtyards and Solar Panels in Desert Lodges

Authors:
Omar Bin Eid, Raafat Abu Hamra, Shadi Chaar, Imad Kayyali
Private Courtyards and Solar Panels in Desert Lodges
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Set in the desert, the design incorporates private courtyards and solar panels to create a sustainable retreat offering diverse lodging options for guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Common Hub serves as a central gathering point, encouraging social interaction among guests.
02
Each lodge features a private courtyard, enhancing guest privacy and connection to nature.
03
Solar panels provide sustainable energy, reducing the ecological footprint of the lodges.
04
The design blends with the desert landscape through carefully chosen exterior finishes.
05
Parking and drop-off areas are thoughtfully designed to maintain site aesthetics and accessibility.

The Mega Dunes Ecolodges in Abu Dhabi is a thoughtful design that addresses the challenges posed by the surrounding desert. It aims to provide a sustainable retreat that fits well into its natural environment. The project emphasizes functionality, community, and a deep respect for the ecology of the area, making it a relevant example of contemporary hospitality design.

Common Hub
At the center of the development is the Common Hub, covering 489.00 square meters. Designed as a gathering space, it serves as a social focal point for both visitors and residents. This hub supports communal activities and enhances interaction among guests. Surrounding the hub are various lodging options that cater to different preferences and needs.

Lodging Options
The project includes 10 VIP Lodges and 15 Standard Lodges, each designed with consideration for comfort and functionality. Each VIP Lodge offers 79.00 square meters of space, providing generous accommodations and amenities. In contrast, the Standard Lodges, measuring 49.00 square meters each, offer a more basic yet comfortable experience. This variety enhances the appeal to a wider range of guests, from those seeking luxury to those looking for simplicity.

Sustainable Energy and Infrastructure
Sustainability is a core aspect of the design. Solar panels are incorporated to meet the project's energy needs, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Infrastructure support comes from MEP service blocks that ensure efficient operation. A lake is also part of the design, offering recreational opportunities while promoting biodiversity. This combination aims to balance human activity with the natural ecosystem.

Environmental Integration
Attention to the environment is evident in the overall design. The external façade and surface treatments are selected to blend with the desert backdrop. Inside, wooden elements are used to create a warm and welcoming feel. Each lodge features a private courtyard, allowing guests to connect with their surroundings. External lighting is indirect, which helps to minimize light pollution, thereby preserving the natural darkness of the desert night.

The layout facilitates accessibility with parking for 62 vehicles and a designated drop-off area. This consideration ensures ease of access while maintaining the natural beauty of the site. Every detail contributes to the goal of providing a pleasing experience, inviting guests to engage with the unique landscape that surrounds them.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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