# Self-Sustaining Desert Hotels This Modern Hotel Floats on Sand in the Gobi Desert By Tia Clarke | Published 2013-01-27 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desert-hotels References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/355397/A-Hotel-Built-In-The-Middle-Of-A-Desert-That-Floats-On-The-Sand/) & [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/296725/xiangshawan-desert-lotus-hotel-plat-architects/) The middle of the Mongolian desert is not exactly the first place one might think of when building a hotel, but that's exactly what Beijing-based architectural firm PLaT Architects is planning. The secluded 'Xiangshawan [Desert Lotus Hotel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juniper-hill-home)' will "float" on the sand in this ground-breaking design. The futuristic hotel aims to give users a true desert experience. Due to the hotel's extreme location in the [Gobi desert](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vipp-x-studio-ko), PLaT Architects invented a steel-like structure which allows the building to [float like a ship](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-never-hut). The clever trick makes the building more stable in the unstable sandy conditions. Keen to integrate the hotel into its natural surroundings, architects used local produce and even managed to incorporate sand into the covering of the interior walls. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Hip Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/hiphotels) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sustainable Desert Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to innovate by designing eco-friendly buildings that can withstand extreme desert conditions. - **Integration of Local Materials:** Opportunity to incorporate indigenous materials into architectural designs, creating a stronger connection to the natural environment. - **Immersive Experiences:** Opportunity to offer unique experiences to travelers by creating hotels that provide an authentic desert experience. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture and Design:** Innovative designs and techniques can disrupt the traditional approach to architecture, creating sustainable and immersive structures. - **Hospitality and Tourism:** Hotels can differentiate themselves by offering guests one-of-a-kind experiences in remote and unconventional locations. - **Construction and Engineering:** Developing specialized construction techniques and materials for extreme environments can open up new markets and opportunities for growth. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Monumental Concrete Hotel Suites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folly-mojave-series.md) - [Mobile Otherworldly Hotel Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesla-mobile-resort-hotel.md) - [Captivating Stilt-House Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mast-1.md) - [Ancient Oasis Desert Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/habitas-alula-desert-hotel.md) - [Tranquil Suspended Hanging Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ardh-architect.md) - [3D-Printed Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-hotel.md) - [Whimsical Tranquil Holiday Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/two-bunch-palms.md) - [Dessert-Nestled Tent Lookouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clover-studio.md) - [Desert-Inspired Campground Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/el-cosmico-project.md)