The desert residence was designed by Robert Majkut. The architect created the OASIS HOUSE project. Set in the desert, the house was recognised in the Opal Award 2024, whose jury appreciated the villa for its unique aesthetics, the technologies used and the harmonious combination of architecture and nature.
Original idea
OASIS HOUSE is not only a house, but also a manifesto of modern architecture. The project combines aesthetics, advanced technologies and a deep understanding of nature. Its uniqueness lies in the creation of a contemporary oasis that blends harmoniously with the harsh climate of the desert, while offering comfort and functionality. The oasis is the start of any habitat, offering shade, water, vegetation and the opportunity to grow or raise animals. It is a place where nature soothes with its presence and trees and shrubs protect from wind and sun.
The oasis has become a primordial idea because, as we understand it, it is an autonomous microcosm that contains everything needed to live comfortably and conveniently in a desert landscape. However, even an oasis can be exposed to strong and violent natural phenomena. It is precious as long as it lasts. Like a person seeking shelter from the heat, the oasis and the garden need care and support,” explains the designer, Robert Majkut, Head of Design and CEO of Robert Majkut Design. “For this reason, the main element of the OASIS HOUSE concept is to combine the idea of a double house with modern technologies coexisting with and even exploiting the nature characteristic of the desert landscape. From this combination, we have created a space ideal for comfortable living ,” he adds.
Desert residence
The centrepiece of the OASIS HOUSE is the double house concept. The outer openwork glazed structure, a kind of screen, acts as a protective barrier, creating a microclimate for the inner garden and the house at its heart. The interior of the building is an assemblage of flowing, sculptural forms that provide privacy and comfort for the occupants, while opening up to the lush greenery of the garden. In this way, the desert house can function independently in adverse conditions, offering a comfortable microclimate for the inhabitants.
The residence, with a total area of nearly 1,000 m², was designed on a regular rectangular plot. The main residential building, comprising three floors, combines living, family, leisure and work spaces. The ground floor houses a spacious living room surrounded by greenery, a dining room for ten people, a study, a library and recreational areas, providing ideal conditions for daily living and relaxation surrounded by lush vegetation. The upper floors contain private bedrooms and an independent guest suite, guaranteeing privacy and comfort for residents and guests. The project is complemented by a 300 m² technical building, which includes garages, a swimming pool and guest parking. The overall design draws inspiration from the colours of the earth, desert architecture and traditional ornamentation with a modern twist.
Modern technology
The design makes use of modern technologies such as translucent photovoltaic cells and water recycling systems to ensure rational resource management and the use of renewable energy sources. The openwork patterns were created using parametric design. The algorithms used here allow the building to be easily scaled both up and down. Precast concrete elements made using 3D printers ensure a fast construction process that goes hand in hand with quality. An intelligent system manages the entire house and grounds, including lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and energy and irrigation management. Interestingly, the developers also drew inspiration from traditional methods such as wind catchers, which have been used in Middle Eastern architecture for centuries. As a result, Oasis House combines modernity with tradition to create a unique living space.
Opal Award competition
The Outstanding Property Award London annually recognises the most outstanding architectural projects from around the world. The competition aims to promote innovative and sustainable solutions in architecture. In this year’s edition of the competition, the OASIS HOUSE project won the award in the residence architecture category, an accolade for the Robert Majkut Design studio and confirmation that the desert house project is an innovative, inspiring concept that takes a step forward towards responsible architecture.
If a person is able to think of something, it means they are able to realise it. If we are talking about a concept that has been visualised, it means that we are already three steps away from the non-existence of this project, and therefore getting closer to its realisation, which we are already talking about ,” concludes Robert Majkut.
About the studio:
Robert Majkut Design is a studio with over 28 years of experience, known for its creative and visionary projects all over the world. Under the direction of Robert Majkut, the firm has won numerous awards and industry recognition, delivering ambitious and innovative projects that push the boundaries of contemporary architecture.
source: press materials
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