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Skylit Terraces in Modular Living Adaptations

Authors:
Alexander Zlatkin, Andrey Shishigin, Dmitriy Budarin
Skylit Terraces in Modular Living Adaptations
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Equipped with skylights and spacious terraces, these modular lodges provide functional living spaces in the demanding climate of Abu Dhabi.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each lodge is assembled in a factory, enabling quick on-site installation within 3 to 4 days.
02
Terraces are strategically designed to enhance outdoor living in the desert climate.
03
A compact sanitary module transforms traditional layouts into modern self-contained units.
04
Natural light is maximized through well-placed skylights and large windows.
05
The lodges incorporate high load-bearing capabilities for easy transport and relocation.

The MEGA DUNES ECO LODGES in Abu Dhabi represent a careful study of modular living. Located in a challenging desert climate, these lodges focus on practical solutions for modern occupants. The design melds sustainability with essential amenities, creating a functional living space that encourages outdoor connections. The overall concept emphasizes the relationship between communal and private areas, enhancing daily life through thoughtful layout and openness.

Site Planning and Layout

The Standard Lodge Floor Plan provides an indoor space of 86.9 square meters within a total built-up area of 112.7 square meters. At the core, a spacious living and dining area spans 34 square meters, paired with an entry area of 11.1 square meters. Three bedrooms vary in size, from 10.8 square meters to 14 square meters, along with a sanitary module offering 4.8 square meters dedicated to bathroom and shower facilities. Two terraces, measuring 9.2 square meters and 16.5 square meters, allow for outdoor enjoyment and an expanded living area.

Construction Methodology

The lodges use a modular construction approach. Each unit is completed in a factory with all engineering connections in place before disassembly. This method enables efficient transport of parts to the site, leading to a quick assembly period of 3 to 4 days. This efficient process not only simplifies logistics but also allows the lodges to be adaptable for different environments.

Functional Components

Each lodge is equipped with essential amenities to support easy living. Features include a toilet, sink, built-in furniture, shower, mirror, LED lighting, exhaust ventilation, electrical panel, water supply system, and an 80-liter electric boiler. This range of features meets the basic needs of residents, ensuring comfort and practicality in daily life.

Natural Light and Spatial Experience

Natural light plays an important role in the design of the MEGA DUNES ECO LODGES. Skylights brighten living spaces and foster a connection to the outside. Well-placed windows ensure ample daylight throughout the interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere.

The overall architectural framework includes strong load-bearing capabilities, allowing for straightforward transport and assembly of the modular units. Each lodge uses a compact standalone sanitary module that turns traditional building styles into functional homes, which further highlights a commitment to versatility and efficient resource use.

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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.

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