Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Biomimicry-Inspired Spa With Reclaimed Wood and Sustainable Steel Embracing Natural Surroundings

Author:
PANAGIOTIS CHONDROS
Biomimicry-Inspired Spa With Reclaimed Wood and Sustainable Steel Embracing Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

Showcasing the seamless integration of reclaimed wood and local metal, this spa utilizes biomimicry principles to create a tranquil wellness retreat that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes reclaimed wood sourced locally to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features an innovative water recycling system that purifies and reuses pond water.
03
Incorporates large glass surfaces for maximizing natural light and views of the landscape.
04
Design mimics the surrounding topography, enhancing visual integration with the site.
05
Employs photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy for operational needs.

## Project Overview

Located in a tranquil rural setting near Liepāja, Latvia, the Blue Clay Spa is designed to provide a holistic spa experience that integrates modern architecture with environmental sensitivity. The site features a landscape marked by forests, lakes, and notable oak trees, serving as a backdrop to the structure. The design is informed by the local climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers, ensuring that the facility is both functional and contextually appropriate.

## Architectural Form and Functionality

The architectural form employs an organic aesthetic with sloped roofs and overhanging eaves that respond to the site's topography. This design promotes visual unity with the landscape while creating a low-profile structure that resembles natural features. Internally, the layout is organized into distinct areas, including a guest house with living quarters, spa facilities equipped with therapy rooms and a sauna, and service spaces for operational efficiency. Circulation is carefully planned to facilitate movement between these areas, with pathways encouraging interaction with the surrounding nature, including the nearby oak trees and pond.

## Material Selection and Environmental Strategies

The material palette emphasizes sustainability, featuring locally sourced metal for structural elements, reclaimed wood for both cladding and finishes, and expansive glass windows that enhance natural light and views of the outdoors. These choices reflect a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while ensuring aesthetic warmth. Furthermore, the spa implements advanced environmental strategies, including a water recycling system that utilizes pond water and solar energy collection through rooftop photovoltaic panels, thereby enhancing the facility's energy efficiency and ecological footprint. The strategic design also addresses seasonal climate challenges, incorporating features that optimize thermal performance and natural light throughout the year.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy