Wadi Rum Resort: Luxury Eco Lodge Built Right Into The Desert Cliffs

We couldn't believe our eyes when we realized that this amazing eco luxury resort is actually carved right into the desert cliffs of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wadi_Rum" target="_blank">Wadi Rum in Jordan</a>. Florida-based firm, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/oppenheim-unveils-exoskeletal-leed-campus-center-for-miami-dade/" target="_blank">Oppenheim Architecture</a>, recently won a design competition with these plans for a new desert lodge. The new luxury <a href="http://inhabitat.com/modern-eco-retreat-keeps-its-cool-at-the-saharas-edge/">eco lodge</a> will help sustainably develop the area, which is already known for its eco-tourism, climbing and trekking.

The Wadi Rum Desert Lodge is designed to take advantage of the natural landscape in order to fully appreciate the surrounding desert.

As such, residences, rooms and hotel amenities are built into the cliffs, and inserted into the natural faults and fissures of the land.

The simple forms and architecture are designed to enhance the landscape and provide a direct connection between man and nature.

Many of the surfaces and building materials are left raw and accented only by simple materials blurring the boundaries between what is natural and man made.

Included in the project will be a rock lodge, spa lodge, tent lodge and reserve villa offering a variety of accommodations and ways to experience the surrounding Wadi.

Oppenheim's proposal seeks to establish a new benchmark for design, quality and sustainability in the natural environment.

Appropriate desert architecture, including shading, natural ventilation and thermal mass will all play a large roll in keeping the microclimate comfortable for guests while providing a natural experience in the desert.

An outdoor covered pool set with a canyon in the rock.

A simple bedroom protected with a large glass wall looks out onto the expanse of the desert.

Large walls protect the inner courtyards from the elements.

Natural rock is accented with simple rugs and decorations to enhance nature.

Natural pools are found close by.

The tent lodge is an inviting oasis.