Respiratory Root Project: A Vision for Sustainable Desert Architecture

The Respiratory Root Project, a shortlisted entry of the EHC - Sahara competition by 萘叶 and 鬼存李, envisions a transformative model of sustainable desert architecture. The proposal is rooted in the romantic notion of turning deserts into seas—both metaphorically and ecologically—by creating life-centric modular habitats. Each element is carefully designed to merge technology with nature, addressing climate challenges while celebrating local culture.

Exploded view of the vertical tower ecosystem integrating power, living, and work zones.

Desert community layout showing modular living towers interconnected by infrastructure.

01 INSPIRATION

The inspiration lies in connection and regeneration. Inspired by the aerial roots of banyan trees and the respiratory roots of metasequoia, the design proposes towers that mimic forest ecosystems. These towers act like modular lungs for the desert—absorbing energy, storing resources, and enabling subterranean connectivity. The top part, a solar-powered wind catcher, regulates temperature and supports energy harvesting.

Locally inspired by the shape of djembe drums, the tower's base integrates into the cultural context while serving structural functions. When multiplied across a desert, these units collectively evoke the poetic transition of barren land into a green oasis—a visual metaphor of turning desert into sea.

02 TOWER

Each tower operates as a vertical ecosystem. The upper segment includes a wind catcher and dish solar thermal power system. Below it lies a 10-story work zone and 15 floors of residential space. Entertainment zones—malls, cinemas, gyms—occupy the lower floors.

Accessibility is enhanced by integrated sky trains and a 10-meter-deep subway network. The modular vertical structure allows for easy replication, distribution, and functional zoning, making it a prototype for scalable sustainable desert architecture.

03 HABITAT OF 1000 PEOPLE

A 0.5mi x 0.5mi grid hosts key amenities: medical, commercial, and educational centers, plus four standard towers. Each tower supports 1,000 residents in smart, energy-efficient units equipped with panoramic windows overlooking the desert. The extended 2.5mi x 2.5mi layout includes over 100 such towers.

Residents are involved in habitat expansion, tower construction, and environmental management. Straw-checker sand barriers are used to stabilize soil. Microalgae walls and solar energy systems ensure energy self-sufficiency and readiness for new expansions.

Concept rendering and wireframe views of the high-speed transit pod designed for the desert habitat.

Layered hydroponic setup enabling high-yield agriculture within tower interiors.

05 TECHNOLOGY

Innovative technologies are central to the project:

Microalgae Power Generation: Algae-filled bioreactors generate power and purify air/water while forming ‘green living walls.’
Wind Catchers: Traditional desert technology adapted for modern cooling.
Dish Solar Thermal Systems: Convert Sahara’s sunlight into energy with up to 29.4% efficiency.
Vertical Farming: Enables high-yield, space-efficient agriculture inside towers.
Water Recycling: Systems within the towers convert waste into potable water with over 90% efficiency.

06 SERVICE DESIGN

Mobility and infrastructure are key. A monorail and a three-dimensional transit system link towers and districts. Residents pay for water in credits, promoting sustainable use. Credit points are rewarded for responsible behavior and can be used for consumer services.

The integration of modern urban systems with ecological practices enables the creation of a ‘green sea’ within the Sahara—a new form of sustainable desert architecture that addresses both human and environmental needs.

By embedding nature’s principles into modular tower design, the Respiratory Root Project offers a radical rethinking of how humans can live in extreme climates. It’s not just architecture—it’s an ecological infrastructure model for resilient futures.