ECO-TOURISM TAKES FORM IN DESERT

Raleigh-based design studio Habanero Architecture has presented Sand|form Array, a lodge complex proposal situated in the desert landscape of Abu Dhabi. The main focus of the circular-schemed project is to provide a unique hotel experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery, the sand dunes, and observe the unique regional fauna, especially the Arabian Oryx.

The structures by Habanero Architecture consist of a series of vertical brise-soleil feature elements that follow the shape of the lodge’s radial formation. Using sustainable cross-laminated timber (CLT) technology, the units are meant to be built on site, able to be removed and relocated. In order to ease the assembly even further, the roof system is proposed as a tensile membrane; light and easy to transport and install.

As part of the active sustainable strategy of the proposal, each lodge and the hub building is supplied with an array of micro-crystal flexible solar panels integrated into the roofing system. A portable geothermal unit is to be provided for cooling and heating each lodge. In addition to the portable geothermal unit, the hub will also capture wind energy through the use of small-scale wind turbines in the central oasis garden area.

The lodges and hub present an all-around covered deck design that gives the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the exterior views. The deck also acts as a passive sustainable design feature that provides shading to open areas. In combination with the triple glazed, argon filled and low-E glass fenestration, the vertical brise-soleil system and covered deck buffer will provide enough sun protection to better control heat transmission during the day. At night, the panoramic curved window system, along with the circular skylight located at the centre of the lodges will provide the ultimate stargazing experience.

Images courtesy of Habanero Architecture via DesignBoom