Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Triangular Lodges with Natural Skylights in Desert Eco Park

Authors:
Yvo Ruiters, Willem Stevense
Triangular Lodges with Natural Skylights in Desert Eco Park
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Equilateral triangular forms integrate with the landscape, offering raised terraces and skylights that enhance the connection to the desert environment while providing comfortable lodging for guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equilateral triangular design enhances structural stability and aesthetic harmony in the desert.
02
Central hub connects eco park amenities and promotes community interaction among guests.
03
Lodges feature raised terraces to reduce sand accumulation and enhance guest comfort.
04
Skylights in bathrooms provide natural light and views of the night sky for a unique experience.
05
Sustainable systems include autonomous water management and solar energy integration.

The design of ecolodges in the dunes of Abu Dhabi explores how architecture can work with a challenging natural landscape. The goal is to create a space that balances comfort and safety while allowing guests to experience the wilderness. The design uses mathematical patterns and geometric shapes to immerse visitors in their surroundings, all while providing essential amenities for a sustainable lodging experience.

Geometric Structure

At the heart of the design is the use of equilateral triangles. This shape offers strength and flexibility, allowing the lodges to withstand the harsh conditions of the desert. The triangular forms create a sense of continuity with the environment, inspired by traditional patterns found in local culture. This choice of geometry not only reinforces the structure but also enhances the look of the buildings in their natural setting.

Landscape Integration

The layout of the eco park follows a star pattern of triangles, with a central common hub as the main focus. Lodges radiate out from this hub, placed to provide each guest with unique views of the desert. A maximum walking distance of 100 meters ensures easy movement between the lodges and the hub, promoting a sense of community while maintaining individual privacy for guests. The design effectively blends the architecture with the landscape.

Lodge Configuration

Each lodge is designed in the shape of an equilateral triangle, measuring 17.5 meters on each side. The raised terraces at the entrances help prevent sand accumulation. Inside, the open layouts provide uninterrupted views of the desert. Bathrooms are designed to include skylights for natural light and the chance to stargaze. Large sliding doors enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting a closer relationship with the environment.

Sustainability Practices

The design emphasizes sustainability, featuring autonomous water and sewage systems that require little maintenance. Energy efficiency is a priority, with solar panels included to support the lodges' energy needs. The ability for lodges to be dismantled and relocated also reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility. This adaptability allows the project to respond to changes in its landscape over time.

The common hub is a central, open space that combines four triangular sections, creating a flowing environment with varied floor and ceiling heights. A large terrace extends from the restaurant area, encouraging outdoor activities and interaction. The rooftop terrace provides seating arranged for enjoying the desert's nighttime sky. These thoughtful design details enhance the guest experience, immersing them in the beauty of their surroundings.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in