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Butterfly-Inspired Design Featuring Local Stone and Wood Cladding for a Wellness Retreat

Authors:
SHERIF HELMY, Sara Ashraf
Butterfly-Inspired Design Featuring Local Stone and Wood Cladding for a Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a butterfly-inspired layout, the design integrates local stone and wood cladding to create a seamless connection with nature while serving as a multifunctional wellness retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Butterfly-inspired layout enhances spatial flow and connectivity.
02
Integration of local materials minimizes environmental impact.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles promotes fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Pathways designed to enhance privacy while ensuring accessibility.
05
Multi-functional spaces cater to a diverse range of wellness activities.

## Project Overview
The Blue Clay Country Spa is located in a natural environment that features rich vegetation and water bodies, establishing a context that informs its architectural design. The intent is to create a wellness retreat that fosters relaxation and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. The design integrates built spaces with the natural environment to provide a serene atmosphere conducive to rejuvenation.

## Spatial Configuration
The layout comprises two interconnected wings designated for distinct functions. The first wing houses spa facilities, utility areas, and staff accommodations, while the second wing includes a dining area and guest house positioned near the lake. This arrangement is designed with dedicated entrances that enhance the experience of the scenic surroundings. A park-like pathway linking both wings ensures fluid movement throughout the complex while preserving the privacy of each section.

## Materiality and Aesthetics
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to harmonizing with the local environment. Wood cladding is used extensively across the spa, dining, and staff accommodations, introducing warmth to the structure. Stone cladding, particularly in the exterior elevations, draws inspiration from local geological features, notably the blue clay that gives the spa its name. Interior spaces are finished with locally sourced polished wood, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The color palette is informed by the vibrancy of butterflies, with strategically placed accents that introduce a lively interplay of hues throughout the project.

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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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