[ MATERIALS LAB ]
ARDH Collective × MT
[ THE CHALLENGE ]
Imported riverbed sand at risk of depletion before 2050
Of global CO2 emissions come from traditional concrete production
Kilos of date seeds discarded in the UAE every year
[ THE MATERIALS ]
[ 01 ] DUNECRETE
A revolutionary low-carbon concrete alternative made from previously unusable desert sand. DuneCrete uses 100% locally sourced raw materials to cast hollow blocks, pavers, customisable façade panels and architectural building elements — one of a kind material helping construction build a more sustainable tomorrow, today.
C39 Compressive Strength — Up to 50% Less Cement Content — Up to 50% Less Embodied Carbon
[ 02 ] DUNEBLOCK
A claustra or breeze block made from DuneCrete, available in a variety of shapes, sizes and customisable natural tones. Used to build striking partition walls, sculptural furniture, expressive façades or playful garden features — structural or decorative, DuneBlock lets you shape space with intention.
C39 Structural Strength — Various Shapes & Sizes — Natural Pigment Colour Customisation
[ 03 ] DATEFORM — IT’S ROASTED
The world’s first date-seed-based solid surface material. A 5mm top layer seamlessly bonded with 18mm Russian birch plywood, repurposing over 1000 date seeds per square metre — durable, distinct, and made with love in the Emirates.
1000+ Date Seeds per m² — 5mm Surface / 18mm Birch Ply — Customisable Thickness & Size
[ OUR COMMITMENT ]
Accelerating Sustainability
We’re not just pioneers in sustainable materials — we help enterprises exceed their environmental targets, drastically cutting waste and carbon footprint along the way.
Cultivating Local Prosperity
By sourcing ethically from small-scale agricultural and natural-resource ventures, we strengthen local economies as much as we strengthen our materials.
Transforming Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing in the Emirates isn’t just about new production standards — it’s about placing the UAE at the forefront of sustainable industrial innovation.
[ THE PEOPLE ]
Alhaan Ahmed
Founder
Educated at Imperial College London, the Royal College of Art, and the Dubai Institute of Design & Innovation. Believes in making both the materials and their applications as diverse as possible.
Alyina Ahmed
Co-Founder
Trained at the Architectural Association, the University of Westminster and the American University in Dubai. Brings balance and rigor to ARDH’s projects and day-to-day operations.
Máximo Tettamanzi
Co-Founder
Degrees from the University of Buenos Aires and the Architectural Association in London. Finds inspiration in the landscapes ARDH’s materials are built to protect.
[ SINCE 2019 ]
2019
Material & industry research begins — the seed of what becomes Dateform and DuneCrete.
2020
First material testing on Dateform, the date-seed surface material.
2021
Dateform shown at the Global Grad Show; Ramel (now DuneCrete) enters material testing.
2022
Dateform receives a grant from ARM Holding and joins its Acceleration Program.
2023
Dateform’s first commercial project — MAD in Dubai Mall — plus ‘From The Dunes & Trees’ at Dubai Design Week, supported by Dubai Culture.
2024
Datebrew launches; ARDH reaches COP28, where pins and tables made from its materials are used by world leaders.
2025
DuneBlock launches. ARDH shows at Dubai Design Week, Downtown Design and the UAE Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025.
[ SELECTED WORK ]
[ 01 ]
The Grove — Liwa Pop Up Edition
A newly opened coffee house in Liwa, conceived as a calm gathering place within an expansive desert landscape. The architecture is restrained and tactile, privileging honest materials and quiet atmosphere over spectacle.
The Grove UAE — 2025
DuneCrete / DuneBlock
Material Fabrication
[ 02 ]
SOM Studio Dubai — Reception & Conference Tables
Custom-made tables finely crafted by ARDH Collective for the interior of SOM’s Dubai studio, manufactured in Dateform’s ‘It’s Roasted’ surface with meticulous, made-to-measure detailing.
SOM Studio Dubai — 2024
Dateform
End-to-end manufacturing, custom sheet production, CNC routing
[ 03 ]
The Space Within — Dubai Design Week
A pavilion built from modular DuneBlock units, filtering light through circular openings that reference the desert’s own eroded rock formations.
Dubai Design Week — 2025
DuneCrete & Dateform
Material Fabrication
[ 04 ]
Gathered Ground — Dubai Design Week
A communal installation built as a place to pause and connect. At its centre, a sweeping curved DuneBlock wall gently embraces visitors, celebrating the event’s theme of community.
Universal Design Studio — 2025
DuneCrete / DuneBlock
Material Fabrication
[ 05 ]
Dubai Design Week — Information Desk
Dateform’s ‘It’s Roasted’ surface, intricately manufactured by ARDH Collective for the festival’s information desk — a grounded point of arrival amid the city’s celebration of ideas.
Harlequin Design — 2025
Dateform
Material Supply
“ARDH Collective’s dedication to using locally sourced waste materials to create groundbreaking products is not just inspiring but essential for the future of sustainable construction in the region.”
Richard Wilson — Creative Director & Founder, Colab
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