Mexico City-based Inca Hernández Atelier has unveiled plans for Liwa Farm Village, an ambitious 7,000-square-meter development in Abu Dhabi's historic Liwa Oasis that seamlessly blends agricultural production, cultural preservation, and community gathering spaces. The comprehensive masterplan, located in the Western Region's Bateen Liwa area, draws heavily on ancestral building traditions while incorporating contemporary sustainability strategies designed to combat the harsh desert climate.
The innovative project revives traditional construction methods including rammed-earth walls, windcatcher roof systems, aflaj irrigation techniques, and palm-trunk roofing materials. These time-tested approaches have been adapted through modern engineering to prioritize both thermal comfort and environmental sustainability in one of the world's most challenging climates. The complex serves dual purposes as both a working farm and a community gathering space, reflecting the historical role of oases as centers of life in the desert.
Liwa Farm Village encompasses a diverse array of facilities designed to serve multiple community needs. The development includes cultural exhibition halls, a veterinary and teaching facility, a traditional Majlis communal space for hospitality and gatherings, a farm-to-table restaurant, a spa facility, and guest bungalows nestled within protective palm groves. Each structure has been carefully positioned within the 30,000-square-meter site to maximize both functionality and connection to the surrounding landscape.
The architectural design pays special homage to the Liwa Oasis's critical role in regional history. Situated along the border of the Rub al Khali desert near Saudi Arabia, this oasis has served as a vital lifeline for settlements throughout the region for centuries, providing essential water, shade, and fertile ground for agriculture. Early fortresses and dwellings constructed from local stone and palm wood still stand today as testament to how human settlements successfully adapted to the desert's extreme conditions.
The construction methodology reflects a deep commitment to regional identity and environmental responsibility. Rammed earth walls combine local desert sand with concrete to create structures with superior thermal mass and enhanced resistance to wind erosion. Clay latticework serves the dual purpose of reducing wall weight while effectively filtering harsh sunlight and allowing air circulation. Pigmented washed concrete platforms elevate the buildings above ground level, providing crucial protection from drifting sand while maintaining structural integrity.
The project's exhibition spaces feature distinctive arched porticoes and clay lattice roofing systems that function as modern interpretations of traditional windcatchers. These architectural elements frame dramatic views of the desert sky while providing passive cooling for interior spaces through natural ventilation. The veterinary center has been strategically positioned to connect directly with horse paddocks, supporting both animal welfare initiatives and community educational programs.
At the heart of the development, the Majlis serves as the central gathering space, anchoring the site around a dramatic central atrium. This traditional communal area features innovative double-curved architectural forms and palm-structured roofing that echo the organic geometries found in natural oases. Surrounding reflecting pools draw inspiration from ancient qanat water channel systems, creating both aesthetic beauty and functional cooling effects.
The farm-to-table restaurant concept emphasizes the site's agricultural mission by serving produce grown directly on the property, creating a complete cycle from cultivation to consumption. The spa facility recalls traditional sahn courtyard architectural typology and is strategically bordered by fragrant lavender and lemongrass crops that are sustained through innovative reclaimed water systems. Four intimate bungalows complete the ensemble, designed specifically for family and guest accommodation as peaceful retreats constructed entirely from earth and palm materials.
The project represents a comprehensive approach to cultural preservation and contemporary functionality, creating a space where food production, cultural memory, and social exchange naturally overlap. The design specifically celebrates the Western Region's Al Gharbia heritage while directly addressing modern challenges related to climate adaptation and environmental sustainability. Through its innovative combination of traditional techniques and contemporary solutions, Liwa Farm Village stands as a model for culturally sensitive development in extreme environments.
