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Poster for Mega Dunes Competition

For the Mega Dunes Ecolodges competition, participants are tasked with designing a sustainable housing unit that is capable of resisting the protected area’s harsh desert environment. Each lodge should be able to accommodate two people and provide the following facilities: washing amenities, sustainable air cooling system; small outdoor terrace, and a power generation unit.

The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency plans to construct at least 25 of the units throughout the protected area, with each unit being 50 square meters in size and not exceeding 3 meters in height. No specific construction materials are required.

A key design feature would be the unit’s ability to be assembled and disassembled if necessary, with one option suggested by the client being to create bubble-tent-like structures with a unique design. However, this is merely a suggestion and participants are free to propose alternatives.

In addition to basic housing, projects should include designs for an enhanced version of the lodge that could be used to house VIP guests. In this case the VIP unit would need to be larger, 80 square meters instead of 50, and include some higher quality features or choice of internal finishes.

Both types of lodges should also suggest a skylight to allow visitors to comfortably observe the spectacular views of the Milky Way.

Project submissions should also include a design for a common hub, a space that would serve as a reception, gathering and dining area.

Submission Requirements

  • Participants are required to upload up to four A2 landscape-orientated presentation boards (must not exceed 5mb per file) with sketches, renderings, plans, sections, elevations, diagrams, and/or other presentation tools to explain their proposal.
  • No video files are accepted.
  • All information provided in writing must be in English.
  • All submissions must be uploaded via the beebreeders.com upload panel. Access information and instructions on how to upload the presentation panel will be issued to participants via email immediately after successful registration.
  • Presentation boards must not indicate any information related to individual’s/team’s identity.
  • Participants who do not comply with the requirements will be disqualified without refund.

Project Proposal Requirements and Recommendations

  • Non site specific and off-grid – must be versatile enough to be replicated in different desert locations;
  • Operational in all seasons – resistant to the elements of heat, cold, wind;
  • As the lodges will be located in a desert – participants should think of a solution of how to deal with a potential sand accumulation risk;
  • Producing minimal light pollution;
  • Able to provide comfortable shelter for several days to all occupants in all weather conditions;
  • Practice environmentally responsible and resource-efficient construction methods;
  • Low maintenance in terms of both effort and costs;

Competition Programme

STANDARD LODGE:

  • Maximum 50sqm floor area;
  • 3m height limit;
  • Off the grid solutions for water, electricity and plumbing;
  • Must comfortably accommodate 2 people;
  • Sustainable air cooling system;
  • Washing amenities;
  • Small outdoor terrace;
  • Skylight to comfortably observe Milky Way.

VIP LODGE:

  • Maximum 80sqm floor area;
  • 4.5m height limit;
  • Off the grid solutions for water, electricity and plumbing;
  • Must comfortably accommodate 2 people;
  • Sustainable air cooling system;
  • Washing amenities;
  • Small outdoor terrace;
  • Higher standard interior finishes and furniture;
  • Skylight to comfortably observe Milky Way.

Common hub:

  • No maximum floor area defined;
  • 4.5m height limit;
  • Off the grid solutions for water, electricity and plumbing;
  • Workspace for 1-2 receptionists;
  • Sustainable air cooling system;
  • Washing amenities;
  • Gathering/waiting area for 30 people (indoors);
  • Gathering/waiting area for 15 people (outdoors);
  • 16sqm large storage space;
  • Kitchen and dining area for 40 people.

Prizes

3 winning proposals, 3 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Bee Breeders will award a total of US $7,000 in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize: US $3000
2nd Prize: US $1,500
3rd Prize: US $500

BB Student Award: US $500
BB Green Award: US $500
“Competition Client Favourite” Award: US $1000

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