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Woven Palm Leaves and Mirrored Surfaces Create Desert Retreat With Community Focus

Authors:
Maryam Houda, Adam Hannouch
Woven Palm Leaves and Mirrored Surfaces Create Desert Retreat With Community Focus

Project in-detail

Woven palm leaves form the structural foundation and mirrored surfaces enhance the connection to the surrounding desert landscape, resulting in a communal retreat designed for relaxation and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Woven palm leaves create both structural and aesthetic elements, reflecting local building traditions.
02
Mirrored panels enhance natural light while integrating the structure with the surrounding landscape.
03
Custom aluminum ties provide structural support while allowing flexibility in design.
04
The layout promotes communal interaction through shared spaces, enhancing social experiences.
05
Passive cooling techniques are employed to reduce reliance on mechanical systems in the desert climate.
El-Areesh Lodge represents a convergence of traditional architectural practices and contemporary design principles. Situated in a desert landscape, this project integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings while prioritizing sustainability and functionality. The lodge is designed to serve as both a recreational retreat and a communal gathering space, accommodating various visitor needs.

The overall structure takes inspiration from traditional Areesh housing forms, emphasizing a tent-like aesthetic through the use of bundled arch constructions. This choice not only provides structural stability but also enhances the project’s visual connection to its environment. The design reflects a dual focus on individual privacy within the lodges and communal interaction in shared spaces.

Materiality and Sustainable Practices

A defining characteristic of El-Areesh Lodge is its commitment to sustainable building practices. The primary materials include date palm leaves, which are traditionally used in local architecture. These leaves are woven skillfully to create walls and roofs, connecting the building with its historical and cultural context. Additional structural elements, such as custom aluminum ties, work in conjunction with the natural materials to ensure longevity and safety. Photovoltaic panels integrated into the design play a critical role in harnessing solar energy, reducing the lodge's carbon footprint and promoting energy efficiency.

Incorporating openable mirrored panels into the design allows for flexibility in interaction with the surrounding landscape. These panels can be adjusted according to user preference, permitting natural light to enter while providing splendid views of the natural desert environment. This choice highlights an innovative approach to architecture by enabling visitors to engage dynamically with their surroundings.

Community-Focused Design Elements

The design includes a Common Hub, central to the project's function as a communal space. This area combines a dining space, lounge, and fire pit, encouraging social gatherings and interaction among guests. The incorporation of this communal aspect reflects a growing trend in architectural design that recognizes the importance of shared experiences.

Each lodge is tailored for comfort, featuring essential amenities that maximize space and usability. Guest accommodations are designed with large openings to ensure panoramic views and enhance the connection with the desert environment. The VIP lodges expand on this idea by offering additional space for relaxation and leisure.

Overall, El-Areesh Lodge not only serves as an architectural endeavor but also as a catalyst for community interaction and ecological awareness in architectural design. To gain further insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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