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Triangular Lodges with Natural Skylights in Desert Eco Park

Authors:
Yvo Ruiters, Willem Stevense
Triangular Lodges with Natural Skylights in Desert Eco Park
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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.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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