The Nest by Sonara, blending luxury and comfort with the natural environment
Gianni Ranaulo Design
Hospitality
/
Completed
The Nest by Sonara was conceived as an eco-friendly retreat in Dubai's Margham desert. The goal was to blend luxury and comfort with the natural environment, minimizing environmental impact while providing a unique, off-the-grid experience. The concept involved constructing 14 nests with steel frames and tensile fabric, raised on platforms to reduce their footprint. These nests were designed to blend seamlessly with the desert dunes, creating an almost invisible presence and ensuring privacy. Each nest was oriented to prevent guests from seeing their neighbors, enhancing the 'alone in the desert' experience. The Nest by Sonara incorporates solar panels and rainwater harvesting for sustainability, with interiors featuring locally sourced materials and water-saving technologies.
The Nest by Sonara seamlessly integrates with its desert surroundings, emphasizing minimal environmental disruption. Located in Dubai’s Desert Conservation Reserve, this eco-friendly retreat features 14 nests with tensile fabric stretched over steel frames, ensuring a low-impact structure. Each nest is oriented for privacy, enhancing the experience of seclusion in the desert. The design includes rainwater harvesting roofs and solar panels for renewable energy. Just a 30-minute drive from Dubai, the retreat offers guests a chance to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with nature, highlighting a commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable luxury.
The project emphasizes sustainability through innovative design and materials. Constructed with tensile fabric over steel and wooden frames, the nests have a minimal footprint. Photovoltaic solar panels provide renewable energy, and curved roofs efficiently collect rainwater. Ensuite bathrooms use locally sourced stone and ceramics with water-saving technologies.
Blending seamlessly with the desert landscape, the project minimizes visual disruption and preserves environmental integrity. Strategies include energy-efficient design, waste minimization, and the use of locally sourced materials, addressing the challenges of creating a luxurious retreat in a sensitive ecosystem.
It is an exemplary showcase of sustainable design, recently awarded the World Architecture Award for Boutique Hotels.
The Nest by Sonara, this off-the-grid experience features 14 nests that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Raised on platforms, the nests use tensile fabric stretched over steel frames to minimize environmental impact. Custom-designed interiors optimize space and natural light, and luxurious ensuite bathrooms utilize locally sourced materials and water-saving technologies. Outdoor majlises with fire pits offer serene desert views, combining sustainable design with contemporary luxury for an unparalleled retreat.
The Nest by Sonara showcases innovation through seamless integration with nature and sustainable design principles. It addresses the challenge of creating a luxurious retreat in the desert while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing guest comfort. The design incorporates a light structure that adapts to the landscape, resembling vernacular desert shelters. Sustainable strategies include energy-efficient design, waste minimization, and locally sourced materials, ensuring minimal disturbance to the ecosystem.
Overall, The Nest by Sonara represents a new showcase of sustainable travel and wellness. It demonstrates how innovative design can address complex challenges while creating meaningful and memorable experiences for guests. The project delivers societal benefits by offering a sustainable and inclusive retreat experience, promoting environmental conservation, and supporting the local economy through job creation and cultural exchange opportunities.
Ultimately, The Nest by Sonara elevates the glamping experience with its unique nesting concept, seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings. Whether you're seeking a digital detox, an evening of stargazing, or the simple pleasure of toasting marshmallows over an open fire, The Nest by Sonara provides a distinctive desert escape and a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Confidential
10/2022
41900 mq
Confidential
Gianni Ranaulo
Gianni Ranaulo
Curriculum
Gianni Ranaulo, an Italian architect, designer, and musician, founded GRD in Paris in 1989. His global projects, from France, throughout USA to China showcase his innovative approach based on the unique concept of Media Building™.
He’s been pioneering LightArchitecture™, merging the virtual and real worlds. With offices in London, Rome, and Milan, he’s spread his vision through books and conferences, including the groundbreaking “LightArchitecture™ New Edge City.” Moreover, he taught ‘LightArchitecture’ masters at Brera’s academy (Milano). In 2007, he established Dubai office, shaping towers and masterplans. His commitment to sustainability drives him, ensuring every project inspires while respecting the planet. With a focus on engaging communities through media techniques, Gianni’s work is revolutionizing architectural concepts worldwide and currently, he opened a new branch in Chicago. He continues to shape the future of architecture with innovation and environmental consciousness.
