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Woven Palm Leaves and Natural Insulation Embrace Desert Dwellings for Sustainable Tourism

Authors:
Isabelle Grahlke, Jil Schneider, Seher Ulusoy
Woven Palm Leaves and Natural Insulation Embrace Desert Dwellings for Sustainable Tourism

Project in-detail

Employing woven palm leaves and clay insulation, the design seamlessly integrates with the desert landscape to create sustainable lodges that offer immersive ecotourism experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs locally sourced palm wood to enhance regional identity.
02
Incorporates clay and straw insulation for energy efficiency.
03
Features modular construction for adaptability and quick assembly.
04
Utilizes renewable energy from integrated photovoltaic panels.
05
Designed to minimize environmental impact while promoting visitor engagement.

The "Desert Waves" architectural project involves designing visitor lodges within the Arabian Oryx Protected Area, emphasizing ecological sustainability and cultural integration. The project utilizes innovative design approaches to create structures that blend harmoniously with the desert landscape while serving functional needs for visitors. Its concept is inspired by the fluidity of desert dunes, reflected in the organic shapes and spatial arrangements of the lodges that promote interaction with the natural environment.

Unique Design Approaches

This project stands out through its commitment to sustainability and the use of local materials. The circular layout of the lodges, which includes both standard and VIP variants, facilitates a communal experience while providing necessary privacy for each unit. Large, strategically placed windows and open designs enhance natural ventilation and light, enhancing the overall living experience.

The use of natural materials such as locally sourced wood, woven palm leaves, clay, and straw insulation demonstrates an understanding of the surrounding ecology. These materials not only reduce the ecological footprint but also resonate with local traditions, promoting a sense of place. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the design, harnessing solar energy to power the facilities sustainably.

Another significant aspect of the design is the common hub that serves multiple functions, including dining and social spaces. This central area fosters community interaction among visitors, emphasizing the project's commitment to an engaged visitor experience in a serene desert setting.

Functional and Practical Elements

The project's design ensures that it responds effectively to the climatic conditions of the region. Thermal design considerations include the orientation of buildings and the use of insulating materials, optimizing both energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Furthermore, water management systems have been integrated to utilize condensation effectively, showcasing a commitment to sustainable resource use.

The overall architectural language of the project embodies a modern interpretation of traditional design, utilizing contemporary techniques such as automated prefabrication to streamline construction while allowing for modular adjustments based on visitor needs.

For those interested in exploring the "Desert Waves" architectural project further, detailed insights can be gained from examining the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs presented. Such resources will provide a comprehensive understanding of the innovative architectural ideas that underpin this sustainable visitor lodge concept in a unique desert environment.

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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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