UNCANNY VALLEY is located in the peaceful region of Kurzeme, Latvia, serving as a retreat focused on wellness and relaxation. The design emphasizes a close relationship with the natural environment, allowing occupants to enjoy both indoor and outdoor experiences within a space that supports both relaxation and community.

Site Organization and Architectural Form

The project is organized around two core components: a wellness zone composed of treatment facilities, and a residential area offering private accommodations. Located in a woodland setting, the spatial layout emphasizes continuity between indoor and outdoor environments, supporting both communal interaction and individual retreat. The architectural form is defined by an undulating roof, generated through the rotation of linear timber structures. This configuration reduces the building’s visual impact on the site while producing varied interior volumes filled with natural light and ventilation.

Material Strategy and Structural Composition

The retreat employs a palette of locally sourced and recycled materials. Rammed earth is used to form a series of self-contained therapeutic pods, providing thermal mass and tactile quality. These are supported by a hybrid structural system combining timber framing and steel trusses. The roof incorporates off-cuts from regional carpentry workshops, reinforcing a low-waste approach and strengthening local participation in the construction process. Together, these materials express a grounded architectural language that aligns with the site's ecological and cultural context.

Cultural and Therapeutic Integration

Central to the design is the use of Cambrian blue clay, a mineral material historically valued for its medicinal properties. This material is embedded into both the architectural elements and the treatment offerings of the spa. Its inclusion reflects the project’s aim to connect contemporary wellness practices with regional geological and cultural heritage.