Living off-grid at Folly Mojave

Spanning 81 hectares, Folly Mojave is inspired by the desert’s raw beauty, clear skies and Martian-like terrain. It offers guests an intimate disconnection from the modern world while promoting wellness, self-reflection and healing. Pushing the boundaries of sustainable design, the retreat seamlessly blends with its surroundings. Drawing from the ancient architecture of Petra and Alula, designer Malek Alqadi looked to his Jordanian roots and designed the retreat using raw materials including sand-mixed concrete, reclaimed wood and blackened steel accents. The result is a collection of monolithic structures that harmonises with the desert’s harsh environment.

Powered entirely by solar energy, water is sourced from a dedicated community well, and wastewater is recycled through a grey water system to irrigate the landscape. The innovative solar panel design, modelled on trees, maximises energy efficiency while inviting guests to explore sustainable technology. For Folly Mojave, Alqadi honed his design philosophy that has always centred on creating holistic environments within sacred spaces, no matter what the scale. The result is a place where guests can disconnect and reconnect with the divine through the power of space, light, material and the awareness of environmental responsibility and intentional design. “The Folly Collection is more than destinations of my work; they are an evolution of site-responsive architectural sanctuaries, used as a medium to introduce guests to off-grid living and to inspire them to apply certain aspects to their own homes and daily lives while,” he states.

Folly Mojave’s four standalone dwellings are named after and themed around the elements (Water, Wind, Fire and Stone) and offer luxurious indoor/outdoor living. The Water Suite, for instance, features a king bed, kitchen, luxury amenities and expansive windows that frame the stunning desert vistas. The upper level’s Stargazing Portal, with its retractable solar roof, allows guests to sleep under the stars while enjoying modern comforts. The Mara Pavilion communal space for wellness and gatherings while paying homage to the Oasis of Mara, a historic gathering place. It features a heated pool terrace, personal sauna and steam room shower, and serves as a serene backdrop for relaxation or events.

Alqadi’s approach towards the retreat was very nuanced. He describes how, given the remote location, he worked on the space to give it a sense of disconnection as a form of reconnection with what matters. “The increasing desire for isolated places to disconnect is reflective of several societal trends and individual needs. The constant bombardment of information from digital platforms, coupled with the fast-paced demands of modern life, can lead to stress, burnout and a longing for peace and quiet. Spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous health benefits, while isolated retreats offer opportunities for introspection, personal growth and a sense of privacy and autonomy. In essence, the growing appeal of these retreats is a response to the challenges and pressures of modern life, and a desire for a more peaceful, fulfilling and meaningful existence,” he adds.