Living Earth Crafts
Living Earth Crafts
Living Earth Crafts
 
EMPLOYERS: POST A JOB
Free ezines & magazines
Jobs News Video Training Products Magazines Spa Business spa-kit Handbook What's on Advertise Subscribe
LATEST JOBS
STAR JOB
Spa Manager / Spa Director
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi
SALARY: negotiable
LOCATION: Tuscany, Italy
MORE JOBS
Catalogue gallery
More catalogues
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com
11-14 Jun 2023
Le Meridien Lav, Split, Croatia
12-15 Jun 2023
Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore
02-04 Jul 2023
Cotswolds Water Park Hotel , South Cerney, United Kingdom
11-12 Sep 2023
The Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis, IN. , Lake Buena Vista, United States
12-14 Sep 2023
Gwel an Mor, United Kingdom
26-29 Sep 2023
Eau Palm Beach , Manalapan, United States
04-06 Oct 2023
Karlovy Vary , Czech Republic
04-06 Oct 2023
Uruguay
Aidia Studio reveals plans for desert safari lodges with retractable shell inspired by cacti
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
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.


News
1 to 12 of 8433 news stories
09 Jun 2023
Cancer patients who practise YOCAS yoga can benefit from reduced levels of inflammation – helping their road to recovery and even preventing cancer from returning. The finding comes from research led by the University of ... More
09 Jun 2023
Spas operated by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) will harness the healing power of music following the upcoming launch of a new Wellness Music Programme. Debuting across the group on Global Wellness Day (10 June ... More
08 Jun 2023
Sonu Shivdasani, co-founder of barefoot luxury hotel and wellness brand Soneva, has confirmed there will be a new Soneva opening by the end of 2023. Speaking at a webinar with WGSN, Shivdasani revealed: “The new ... More
07 Jun 2023
Sustainability-focused trade association GSN Planet has launched a new training programme to educate spa professionals about environmentally conscious spa management. Now accessible on the GSN Planet website, the Sustainable Spa Practitioner course provides wellness practitioners ... More
06 Jun 2023
Hilton Hotels & Resorts will expand its luxury Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand with a new resort and luxury spa in Orlando, Florida, by the end of the year. Named Conrad Orlando, the 433-key property ... More
05 Jun 2023
Cape of Senses, Lake Garda’s upcoming five-star, adult-only spa hideaway, is due to open its doors in South Tyrol on 8 July 2023. Situated 200 metres above Lake Garda on the east side, the Torri ... More
02 Jun 2023
Lifestyle brand Equinox has told HCM it plans to fight a ruling by the US courts that it must pay pay US$11.25m to a former employee who claimed she was discriminated against due to race, ... More
02 Jun 2023
Austria’s five-star alpine wellness retreat Hotel Krallerhof has been updated with a new nature-centric glass-fronted spa, Atmosphere by Krallerhof. Embedded in the slopes of the Asitz mountain, the five-star Salzburger hotel’s new adults-only wellness facility ... More
01 Jun 2023
JW Marriott has branched into the luxury safari segment with a wellness-forward retreat property in one of Africa's most renowned wildlife and wilderness conservation regions. Sitting within Southwestern Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, JW Marriott ... More
01 Jun 2023
Global online architecture platform Architizer has spotlighted innovative spa and wellness architecture concepts around the world as part of its 11th Annual Architizer A+Awards. Founded on the premise of democratising architecture, the annual A+Awards honour ... More
31 May 2023
Industry event Spa Life UK is back for 2023 from 2-4 July at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, in South Cerney. The annual event is organised to equip attendees with valuable insights, educational ... More
30 May 2023
Iconic Texas hotel and wellness destination Texas The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa has announced the appointment of Kelleye Martin as the new director of its Trellis Spa. With more than 25 years of experience ... More
     
International SPA Association - iSPA
AMRA Skincare
Company Profile
Matrix Fitness
Matrix Fitness, one of the world’s leading commercial fi tness brands, is a division of Johnson [more]
 
MORE PROFILES
Featured Supplier
Taking inspiration from nature: TechnoAlpin Snowroom at The Lodge at Woodloch
The Lodge at Woodloch is a five-star, adults-only destination spa resort located in the Poconos in Pennsylvania, on the east coast of the United States. It’s considered one of the top destination spas in the US, ranking #8 in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2022 list. ... more
Lemi
Product news
Edeniste launches active wellbeing fine fragrances backed by neuroscience
Edeniste launches active wellbeing fine fragrances backed by neuroscience
Subtle Energies debuts in Italy at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Milan
Subtle Energies debuts in Italy at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Milan
GM Collin expands pro-ageing Bota-Peptides line
GM Collin expands pro-ageing Bota-Peptides line
Comfort Zone introduces new and improved Hydramemory line following reformulation
Comfort Zone introduces new and improved Hydramemory line following reformulation
Bulgari Spa London partners with Mauli Rituals to launch new sound therapy rituals
Bulgari Spa London partners with Mauli Rituals to launch new sound therapy rituals
Antoine Lamarche named CEO of Multaler Group, parent company of Yon-Ka Paris
Antoine Lamarche named CEO of Multaler Group, parent company of Yon-Ka Paris
Directory

 
JOBS
NEWS
VIDEO
TRAINING
PRODUCTS
MAGAZINE
 
SPA BUSINESS
SPA-KIT.NET
SPA BUSINESS HANDBOOK
SUBSCRIBE
ADVERTISE
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023



Living Earth Crafts
Living Earth Crafts
Living Earth Crafts
Living Earth Crafts
Jobs    News   Products   Magazine
NEWS
Aidia Studio reveals plans for desert safari lodges with retractable shell inspired by cacti
POSTED 18 Aug 2020 . BY Megan Whitby
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
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.
Credit: AIDIASTUDIO
Credit: AIDIASTUDIO
Credit: AIDIASTUDIO
Credit: AIDIASTUDIO
Credit: AIDIASTUDIO
Credit: AIDIASTUDIO
Credit: AIDIASTUDIO
RELATED STORIES
MEAN*'s algorithmically-designed, 3D-printed desert pavilion is an oasis for rest and gathering


The Middle East Architecture Network (MEAN*) have designed a pavilion for rest and gatherings in the Wadi Rum desert valley in the south of Jordan that responds to the ancient landscape using current design and building technologies.
Sea urchins inspire pod designs for new Buhais Geology Park


The Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre, with a Hopkins Architects design inspired by fossilised sea urchins, has opened in the United Arab Emirates.
Aidia Studio's low-rise fortress wins Barjeel Museum For Modern Arab Art design competition


Aidia Studio has won the Rifat Chadirji Prize 2019, which sought design proposals for a new Barjeel Museum For Modern Arab Art in Sharjah, UAE.
MORE NEWS
Yoga can help cancer recovery
Cancer patients who practise YOCAS yoga can benefit from reduced levels of inflammation – helping their road to recovery and even preventing cancer from returning.
Mandarin Oriental rolling out wellness music programming in spas worldwide
Spas operated by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) will harness the healing power of music following the upcoming launch of a new Wellness Music Programme.
Soneva to open third Maldives retreat by end of 2023
Sonu Shivdasani, co-founder of barefoot luxury hotel and wellness brand Soneva, has confirmed there will be a new Soneva property open by the end of 2023.
GSN Planet launches Sustainable Spa Practitioner Course
Sustainabiilty-focused trade association GSN Planet has launched a new training programme to educate spa professionals about environmentally conscious spa management.
Florida’s natural springs inspire new Conrad Spa oasis opening at billion-dollar Orlando mega-resort
Hilton Hotels & Resorts will expand its luxury Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand with a new resort and luxury spa in Orlando, Florida, by the end of the year.
Cape of Senses spa hideaway opening on shores of Lake Garda this July
Cape of Senses, Lake Garda’s upcoming five-star, adult-only spa hideaway, is due to open its doors in South Tyrol on 8 July 2023.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Curry Spa Consulting

Curry Spa Consulting has been providing clients in the high-end and luxury hospitality sector with s [more...]
+ More profiles  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

11-14 Jun 2023

W3Spa EMEA

Le Meridien Lav, Split, Croatia
12-15 Jun 2023

World Fitness & Wellness Summit

Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore
+ More diary  
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS