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Water Harvesting Retreat Powered by Solar Energy in the Desert

Authors:
Josh Clarke, Lisa Ulfvengren
Water Harvesting Retreat Powered by Solar Energy in the Desert
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Utilizing solar energy and innovative water harvesting technology, the design offers a sustainable retreat that seamlessly integrates with its desert environment while providing essential hospitality services.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar panels provide the primary energy source for the entire facility.
02
Water harvesting units along lodge paths educate guests about conservation.
03
Eco-friendly incineration toilets eliminate the need for traditional waste systems.
04
Grey water is recycled for use in reflecting pools and plant irrigation.
05
A dedicated battery room ensures reliable energy storage for operations.

Abu Dhabi | The Dunes is set in a vast desert landscape and aims to provide sustainable hospitality. The design merges various functions while respecting the natural surroundings. The concept focuses on blending built structures with the environment, allowing each lodge to offer privacy and captivating views of the dunes while preserving the character of the desert.

Sustainability Efforts

The design includes strong sustainability efforts, primarily through the use of solar panels that generate renewable energy. This power is stored in a battery room, ensuring a constant energy supply. A backup generator is also part of the plan, adding reliability in case of power interruptions. These choices reflect a goal of minimizing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Water Management Solutions

Innovative solutions for water management are prominent in the design. Water harvesting technology captures moisture from the air, providing an additional source of water. Along the paths leading to the lodges, units allow guests to refill their bottles while learning about the importance of conserving water. The estimated weekly water demand is around 30,000 liters, with the system designed to store up to 60,000 liters across four tanks, ensuring ample water supply.

Waste Management Practices

Waste management is carefully integrated into the overall design. Eco-friendly incineration toilets remove the need for traditional black water systems. Grey water from showers and sinks is recycled for use in swimming pools and for irrigating plants, creating a more sustainable water cycle. This practice not only conserves resources but also contributes to the aesthetic quality of the site.

Architectural Features

Inside the lodges, there is an emphasis on comfort and practicality. The designs include both standard and premium options, which feature terraces, lounges, and ensuites that cater to varying guest preferences. These elements encourage a connection with the surrounding landscape while providing necessary amenities. Shading techniques are used to improve energy efficiency, reducing solar heat gain and ensuring a comfortable indoor climate.

A strong relationship between the architecture and the natural environment is evident in the thoughtful layout of outdoor spaces. Guests can enjoy the tranquil desert setting while having access to modern comforts, making the experience rich and enjoyable.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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