The desert, the driest place on Earth, is an extreme environment, with ever-changing surroundings. The sand storms are common and can go at the highest speed of 120 km/h. The change in temperature is dramatic. It can go up to 60°C during the day and down to -4°C at night. Despite these odious conditions, The Sahara remains a home for plenty of species. This makes it an important place for mineral resources and for the local and global economy.

Being conscious of the better of our future, our endeavor is to design sustainable architecture in the desert that serves for the good cause on Earth and beyond.

Our proposal is an ecosystem by itself; a living and a breathing space. It is self-sufficient for its habitats as it is fueling energy by using analogic and high-tech technology such as solar panels, wind turbines, and the Melissa system. We incorporated also a tank for water storage which will be filled by the condensation of the humidity from the air.

Our project “Draina” is biodegradable as an unmovable unit. The internal structure of the main unit is composed of underground tunnels which help to regulate the temperature of the building by cooling or heating it. When it is left long enough behind, it erodes away due to the strong winds hitting the structure. So, as humans come to life they will finish in ashes. The organic 3D-printed shape of the main central unit is inspired by the termite nest, which allows natural ventilation. The water drop shape makes it easier for the wind to flow without causing external stress on the structure.

The research units are connected to each other through the platforms which are designed to keep the structure stable against the moving sand dunes. They transmit information and basic needs for their functions. These units are made using a deployable system, making them ideal for future relocation. This temporary structure is designed to shelter the laboratories in order to experiment with the desert biome in a controlled environment.

The materials used for the construction of the project will all be sourced from the local desert landscape such as sand, wood from the palm trees, and leather made from the cactus.

This project we designed is for short and long-term research and experimentation to combat both the present issues of desertification as well as habitability in extreme heat conditions.