22-24 Apr 2024
Galgorm Resort,
York,
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23-25 Apr 2024
Phoenix Convention Center,
Phoenix,
United States
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28-30 Apr 2024
Radisson Blu Hotel,
Glasgow,
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08-08 May 2024
Hotel Melià ,
Milano ,
Italy
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10-12 May 2024
China Import & Export Fair Complex,
Guangzhou,
China
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13-16 May 2024
Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia ,
Italy
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14 May 2024
JPMorgan Chase Headquarters,
New York City,
United States
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18-22 May 2024
The Ravenala Attitude Hotel,
Mauritius
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Aidia Studio reveals plans for desert safari lodges with retractable shell inspired by cacti |
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By Megan Whitby 18 Aug 2020 |
Called the Oculus, the pods consist of a double-glazed dome encasing a luxury hotel room, which is shrouded by a collapsible shell Credit: AIDIASTUDIO
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Mexican design firm, Aidia Studio, has unveiled plans for a complex of 25 luxury hotel pods with collapsible shells, located in the Rub’ al Khali Desert in Abu Dhabi.
Called the Oculus, the pod consists of a double-glazed dome encasing a luxury hotel room, which is shrouded by a collapsible shell for shading, temperature control, camouflage and privacy.
The outer shell is made up of 60 shading panels which create a dense lattice to shelter the cabin, drawing inspiration from several desert cacti species which feature thick outer skins, foldings and fins to control heat and solar radiation.
The panels densify towards the crown, to adapt to the curvature of the pod, and in doing so, protect the pod by reflecting the harsh vertical sun radiation.
This outer layer can morph into different configurations depending on the time of the day, climate and needs of users, and also folds downwards to reveal a frameless acrylic dome for stargazing.
During daytime, the skin retracts sideways opening the front of the pod and unveiling the doors to the front deck.
When the shell is fully deployed, it camouflages the pod among the desert scenery to allow guests to go wildlife spotting from the comfort of their own cabin.
Aidia designers Rolando Rodriguez-Leal and Natalia Wrzask acted as lead architects for the project which is currently under concept design stages.
The complex is planned to include both standard (50sq m) or VIP (80sq m) size pods.
According to Aidia Studio, the main goal behind Oculus' design is to improve the environmental performance of the building through self-shading.
The proposed design also includes eco-friendly features such as incorporating technology to harness solar energy to power the pods, as well as water tanks to filter and recycle greywater.
The Oculus complex is envisioned to be built in the middle of a gravel plane backed by a tall sand dune, with the 25 cabins spread around the site in the shape of a constellation.
Aidia Studio is also planning to create a central hub of four pods with the same design as the cabins but on a larger scale.
The buildings will house a reception and guest toilets, reception lounge, restaurant and kitchen and staff functions, and all be interconnected via transition sleeves and held together by an elevated outdoor deck.
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News |
1 to 12 of 8703 news stories |
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24 Apr 2024
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24 Apr 2024
Short-term incentives to exercise, such as using daily reminders, rewards or games, can lead to sustained increases in activity, according to new research. Researchers found that even a simple daily reminder encouraged people to move ... More
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24 Apr 2024
Spa and wellness veteran Shannon Malave has been named spa director at iconic US spa destination Mohonk Mountain House. Based in New York’s verdant Hudson Valley and founded in 1869, Mohonk is a historic Victorian ... More
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23 Apr 2024
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the eco-luxury hotel and spa operator’s entry into Japan and a new addition to its urban collection. Situated in the historic Higashiyama district, the 81-key hotel is ... More
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23 Apr 2024
The UAE’s first-ever Dior Spa has officially launched at The Lana, Dubai – the Dorchester Collection’s debut property in the Middle East. Bathed in natural daylight on the hotel’s 29th floor, Dior Spa The Lana ... More
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22 Apr 2024
The Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan will reopen later this year with an all-new design plus enhanced treatments and experiences inspired by its river valley home. Nestled amid rich tropical ... More
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18 Apr 2024
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released new data on the US’ wellness economy, valuing it at US$1.8 trillion. According to the organisation's recent report – called The Global Wellness Economy: United States – the ... More
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19 Apr 2024
UK sauna enthusiasts will converge at Galgorm Resort in Northern Ireland next week for the highly anticipated second annual UK Aufguss Championships. Hosted from 22-24, the event will see competitors from across the UK showcasing ... More
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17 Apr 2024
Remedy Place, a US-based social wellness club brand, is poised for steady expansion in the coming years, with plans to open two new clubs annually moving forward Remedy Place is the brainchild of Dr Jonathan ... More
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16 Apr 2024
Swiss longevity brand Clinique La Prairie (CLP) has inked a deal with Montara Hospitality Group to operate a resort at Tri Vananda – a purpose-built wellness community in Phuket, Thailand. Tri Vananda, envisioned as a ... More
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15 Apr 2024
Six Senses has announced the grand opening of its first-ever property and spa in the Caribbean, called Six Senses La Sagesse. With a picturesque beachfront setting and surrounded by verdant hills, Six Senses La Sagesse ... More
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12 Apr 2024
A brand new desert hot springs oasis, called Zion Canyon Hot Springs, is set to open in Southern Utah in Q3 of 2025. Situated 30 minutes from the majestic Zion National Park, the US$60 million ... More
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SALT Chamber |
SALT Chamber was started in 2012 by Founder and CEO Leo Tonkin and has become the leading authority
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