Designed by renowned eco-architect and designer Michael Jantzen, the Eco-Desert Retreat is a functional art vacation retreat habitation structure that can be placed in various remote locations without the need of conventional utilities. The small shelter can easily be installed in various landscapes without causing any adverse environmental damage. Moreover, the design of the retreat can be varied according to specific requirements.
The Eco-Desert Retreat features one habitation shelter and three support structures. Two of the support structures have been made of wood and take the form of a curved shade. To ease accessibility the structure can also be mounted on wheels. Each of these two structures supports a large hammock and has a large curved shaded bench built into one end. The third structure carries a vertical axis wind turbine that is mounted on top of the shaded circular bench.
The entirely off-grid structure utilizes the vertical axis wind turbine for power generation, and all additional electricity is generated by a series of curved photovoltaic panels that have been mounted on the roof of the structure. Electricity generated by the wind turbine and the solar panels is stored in batteries, from where it is relayed to the entire structure. The retreat also includes a built-in rainwater harvesting system that captures rainwater, which is then funneled off the top of the structure into storage containers, where it is filtered for use inside.
Domestic water is heated by the sun along with back-up bottled gas. The habitation shelter is naturally ventilated through vents that are located in the elevated floor. According to Michael, the work attempts to merge art, architecture, technology and sustainable design into one unique experience.
Thanks: [Michael Jantzen]
