Oasis Lungs 

An air purifyer and palm tree waste recycling center
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Designer(s) : Sondos Ahmed

University : Cairo University

Tutor(s) : Dr Ahmed Abdelghaffar and Dr Reem Bakir 

Project Description

Oasis Lungs is an architectural initiative in Al-Wahat Al-Bahariya, Egypt, addressing environmental and social challenges in desert communities. The project repurposes abundant local resources—palm waste and desert dust—into durable eco-insulation panels with 140% higher thermal resistance than traditional mudbrick. Through a filtration system, fine dust particles are collected from the air, processed, and blended with palm waste using natural additives like sodium silicate, linseed oil, and mycelium.
Beyond environmental sustainability, Oasis Lungs enhances housing resilience against extreme heat and sandstorms while fostering socio-economic growth. It introduces craft workshops and exhibition spaces, empowering local artisans to develop skills, gain visibility, and expand their businesses. By merging sustainable construction with community development, the project demonstrates how architecture can address climate issues, resource management, and economic opportunities in fragile desert regions.