In architecture, a "folly" traditionally refers to an ornamental building, often found as accents in gardens, created as a point of interest rather than for practical function. Yet, for Los Angeles-based architect Malek Alqadi, a folly is much more—a way to connect people to nature, to history and themselves. His Folly collection of off-grid retreats represents a reimagining of this idea, turning secluded architectural escapes into places for rejuvenation and reflection. Folly Mojave, his latest project, sits on a vast, 200-acre plot in Wonder Valley in California, between the rugged terrain of the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. It's designed to create a peaceful sanctuary inspired by the desert’s natural beauty and resilience.

Folly Mojave is rooted in Alqadi’s vision to create spaces that echo ancient wisdom and respect for the land. "Folly Mojave is more than an escape; it’s a bold architectural statement that pushes the boundaries of sustainable design,” says Alqadi. The project is an eco-conscious wilderness retreat where guests can disconnect from urban chaos and reconnect with the stillness of the desert.

Taking four years to come to life, the retreat includes a cluster of stand-alone structures, each designed to reflect the elements of water, wind, fire and stone. The first completed unit, known as the Water Suite, offers a blend of comfort and intentional design, with a king bed, walk-in wet room shower and outdoor sky terrace. An upper-level stargazing portal features a retractable roof powered by solar energy, allowing guests to sleep under the stars while enjoying the comforts of a fully equipped suite.

For Alqadi, Folly Mojave is also a deep exploration of climate-conscious design. Nestled within one of the harshest environments, it had to be built with resilience at its core. “The desert, a crucible of extremes, inspired me to use a raw, monolithic form for the structures,” he explains. The buildings are made from poured-in-place concrete, mixed with local sand, which allows them to endure the severe weather of the Mojave Desert. Their minimalist, almost Brutalist aesthetic is softened by accents of blackened steel and reclaimed wood, charred using the Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban, which creates a deep, rich texture. This combination of rugged and refined materials reflects desert architecture’s beauty and the human ability to adapt sustainably to natural forces.

With a focus on environmental responsibility, the retreat is designed as a self-sustaining microgrid, fully powered by solar energy. To make this system both functional and beautiful, Alqadi placed the solar panels in a unique "tree-like” formation, separate from the building rooftops. This increases energy efficiency but also invites guests to explore the technology up close. In line with his commitment to minimise ecological impact, water is sourced from a community well and recycled through a grey water system, including a feature known as the Weeping Water Wall. Wastewater is filtered, cascades down the wall and then irrigates the surrounding landscape. By relying on natural resources thoughtfully, the project offers a model of sustainable living that minimises waste and encourages conservation.

Alqadi’s Jordanian heritage deeply informs the project’s design. Petra’s relationship with the natural landscape and its thoughtful merging of form and purpose inspired his vision for the project. The architect uses sacred geometry; patterns and shapes found in nature, from the spirals of seashells to the symmetry of snowflakes. “Influenced by the ancient architecture of my birthplace, Petra, Jordan, I imagined Folly Mojave as a medium for people to engage with nature-derived, divine spaces,” Alqadi shares. This architectural philosophy channels the desert’s tranquil energy, inviting guests to experience a deeper connection to the land and their inner selves.

Beyond its architectural significance, the hospitality architecture project speaks to a broader trend: the growing desire for remote getaways. With constant digital distractions and the pressures of modern life, people increasingly seek spaces where they can truly disconnect. The space offers more than seclusion; it provides a chance for guests to step away from the busyness of daily life and embrace a quieter, more introspective experience. Through intentional design, the retreat enables moments of solitude and self-reflection, making it a powerful antidote to the stresses of urban life. In response to this trend, the architect introduced the Folly Mojave membership, allowing guests to join a community and gain access to these secluded locations.

The California-based architect's vision for Folly extends beyond this wellness retreat. Plans are underway to expand into Folly Residences and Folly Farm in Long Island, New York, offering more opportunities for people to experience off-grid living in different environments. Alqadi has also launched M-SHLTR, a line of prefabricated architectural house modules available for personal and commercial use, enabling others to create their eco-conscious escapes.

As a model of environmental harmony and purposeful design, Folly Mojave isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an invitation to rethink how we live. It offers guests a blueprint for sustainable and mindful living, showing how modern architecture can respectfully adapt to natural landscapes. The Folly collection represents an evolution of site-responsive architectural sanctuaries that introduce guests to off-grid living, inspiring them to incorporate elements of this lifestyle into their homes and daily lives.