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Bare Concrete and Metal Beams Create a Sanctuary for Mindfulness and Renewal

Authors:
Marin Petković, Laura Ibrahić
Bare Concrete and Metal Beams Create a Sanctuary for Mindfulness and Renewal

Project in-detail

Constructed with bare concrete and supported by metal beams, the design integrates a garden of inner peace and promotes mindfulness, serving as a retreat for holistic wellness in the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from bare concrete to enhance minimalist aesthetics.
02
Incorporates a dedicated garden of inner peace for contemplative practices.
03
Features expansive glass elements for a strong connection to the landscape.
04
Utilizes metal beams for structural support, promoting open interior spaces.
05
Includes an integrated horse farm to facilitate therapeutic interactions.

The Blue Clay Country Spa is located in the tranquil Latvian landscape, designed to promote well-being and relaxation. The aim is to create a retreat where individuals can focus on both physical health and spiritual nourishment. The concept centers around purification and mindfulness, with an emphasis on connecting with nature, making the environment a place for reflection and healing.

Spatial Organization

The layout includes several distinct areas that enrich the visitor experience. The outer space acts as the main entry point, guiding guests into the retreat. Next is the mixed content zone, which contains sleeping and living areas that encourage social interaction. The hall of purification connects these spaces, leading directly to the garden of inner peace, where guests can find solitude and engage in restorative practices.

Material and Structure

The design uses simple materials that highlight purity and transparency. The primary structure is made of bare concrete, providing strength and a clean aesthetic. Metal beams support the roof, allowing for large, open spaces that facilitate relaxation. Glass is used extensively throughout the building, creating a visual link with the surrounding landscape and reinforcing the connection with nature.

Therapeutic Integration

The spa incorporates various therapeutic elements that enhance overall well-being. Visitors can enjoy soothing spa treatments, participate in organic food cultivation, and experience horseback riding therapy. These activities support both emotional and physical health, demonstrating how they work together within the retreat's overall vision.

Natural Engagement

The chosen site showcases lush Latvian greenery, with trees and a peaceful lake that enrich the guest experience. Each zone is carefully placed: the horse farm overlooks a meadow, the service area faces west and includes vegetable gardens, and the guest house is oriented toward the eastern forest. This thoughtful arrangement encourages engagement with the natural environment, making the experience of renewal both immersive and deep.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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