Desert Ark
DesignReserve has designed Desert Ark, the first 3D concrete-printed structure in an extreme desert environment in the Tengger Desert, China.
As China's first 3D concrete-printed structure in an extreme desert environment, this project not only supports ecological restoration in the central-western region of Inner Mongolia but also serves as an architectural prototype for future extraterrestrial habitats of humankind.
Tengger Desert is the fourth largest and southernmost desert in China. Since the early 90s, a non-profit organisation has been planting trees on the fringe of the desert to contain its hazardous expansion eastward.
Commissioned by the organisation, DesignReserve has designed a new campsite which provides shelter and supporting facilities for tree planting volunteers during field operations.
Considering the severe site conditions, restrained budget and timeframe for construction, DesignReserve developed prototypes with 3D concrete printing technology to accommodate various types of use.
This project has been shortlisted in the small project category of Dezeen Awards China 2025.
Studio: DesignReserve
Project: Desert Ark
Credits: Wuxi HeQing Digital Construction Technology