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Blue Clay Plaster and Geothermal Heating Enveloped in Natural Stone for a Spa Retreat

Authors:
Brett Moss, JORGE SAN MARTIN, DANIEL RODRIGUEZ, JORGE RODRIGUEZ
Blue Clay Plaster and Geothermal Heating Enveloped in Natural Stone for a Spa Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing blue clay plaster and local stone, this spa integrates geothermal heating and natural water features to create a restorative wellness retreat harmonizing with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes blue clay plaster to enhance thermal properties and promote healing.
02
Incorporates geothermal heating to minimize energy consumption and improve efficiency.
03
Features a continuous glass facade that connects interior spaces with the surrounding landscape.
04
Integrates local stone to reflect regional identity and provide durability.
05
Includes multiple restorative water features designed for traditional wellness practices.
The Blue Clay Country Spa, located in Latvia, serves as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Latvian spa practices, merging architectural design with ecological sensibility. This project emphasizes a harmonious relationship between natural surroundings and built forms, creating a restorative environment for wellness. The architecture is strategically positioned near a pond and mounds, utilizing these elements to enhance guest experiences and promote a sense of tranquility.

The spa encompasses multiple zones designed for various wellness applications. Key features include treatment rooms, thermal baths, and relaxation areas, carefully arranged to facilitate a journey through different stages of rejuvenation. Visitors transition through spaces that encourage engagement with water, light, and the surrounding landscape, reflecting the ethos of holistic wellness.

Unique Design Approaches

One notable aspect of the Blue Clay Country Spa is its integration of geothermal energy, utilizing the heat from the earth to optimize indoor climate control while minimizing environmental impact. This approach underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. The architectural design employs a continuous glass facade, which not only provides abundant natural light but also aesthetically links the interior with exterior natural views, further dissolving the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments.

Material selection is critically addressed within the project. Natural materials such as local stone and timber are prioritized, serving both structural and aesthetic purposes. The use of blue clay plaster in massage rooms creates a tactile experience that connects guests to Latvian heritage. By focusing on locally sourced materials and traditional techniques, the spa reinforces its regional identity and supports sustainable practices.

Water features play a central role in the design. The various pools, including those with hot, cold, and blue clay elements, offer therapeutic benefits while maintaining a connection to traditional bathing methods. This thoughtful layout promotes exploration of different water states, further enriching the overall wellness experience.

Thermal zones are carefully carved out within the architectural framework, creating designated areas for relaxation, hydrotherapy, and wellness treatment. Each zone is engineered to provide specific therapeutic functions aligned with traditional Latvian spa rituals, enhancing the efficacy of the spa’s offerings.

The Blue Clay Country Spa demonstrates a rigorous approach to design through its incorporation of local context, sustainable practices, and visitor engagement with natural elements. To explore architectural plans, sections, and design details further, interested readers are encouraged to review the comprehensive project presentation. Insights into the architectural ideas behind this project provide a valuable understanding of its holistic and sustainable approach to wellness architecture.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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