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Water Harvesting Lodge with Solar Roof and Wooden Frame

Authors:
Ryo Murata, Miho Takahashi, Minato Hashimoto, Wakana Takahashi
Water Harvesting Lodge with Solar Roof and Wooden Frame

Project in-detail

Capturing moisture from the arid air through an integrated water mesh system beneath a solar roof, the lodge provides a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with the surrounding desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Water mesh system captures moisture from the air for sustainable use.
02
Large solar roof camouflages the lodge from local wildlife.
03
Arch-shaped design maximizes views of the desert landscape.
04
Private terraces provide a buffer between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Common Hub serves as a central gathering area for visitors.

The Eco Lodge project is located in the expansive mega dunes of the UAE. It serves as a sustainable retreat that emphasizes a balance between nature and human habitation. Water is a key element in this design, with various innovative systems that address the challenges of the dry climate while supporting both people and local ecosystems.

Design Concept

Arch-shaped lodges are designed to offer wide views of the desert landscape. This layout encourages a connection between people and their environment. The large roof features solar energy generators, which provide renewable energy and also help disguise the structures from wildlife, aligning with the local ecological landscape.

Water Management

An advanced water mesh system is integrated within a wooden frame. It captures moisture from the air, such as dew and fog. This designed approach ensures a reliable supply of water for daily needs while supporting green spaces that attract local animals, enhancing biodiversity within the area.

Ecological Integration

The lodges implement a cooling system that uses cool desert winds to naturally regulate the indoor climate. The Common Hub serves as a gathering space for visitors, promoting social interaction and an immersive experience in nature. Efficient water management throughout the project aids in sustaining both human comfort and ecological health.

Material and Thermal Strategy

Wood is a primary material employed throughout the design, providing structural support and establishing a visual link to the natural surroundings. The roofs incorporate heat shield paint, which enhances energy efficiency. This approach effectively addresses the temperature changes typical in a desert setting.

Every lodge includes private terraces that act as a transition between indoor spaces and the vast desert outside. These spaces allow guests to experience the environment while also providing natural cooling solutions. The thoughtful integration of water and greenery throughout the design creates a unique and sustainable habitat for both residents and local wildlife.

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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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