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Cave-Inspired Spa with Monolithic Walls and Natural Stone Integration

Authors:
Hon Yen Chong, Chen-Yong Tan
Cave-Inspired Spa with Monolithic Walls and Natural Stone Integration

Project in-detail

Nestled behind a monolithic wall, the cave-inspired spa utilizes natural stone and glass to foster a tranquil atmosphere, providing a unique retreat for wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The spa's design incorporates cave-like elements to enhance acoustic privacy and tranquility.
02
A monolithic wall serves both as a boundary and a climate control feature, regulating interior temperatures.
03
Natural stone pathways integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, minimizing environmental impact.
04
Large glass facades provide unobstructed views while maximizing natural light and connection to nature.
05
Charred wooden shingles offer both aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability against weathering.

The Sanctuary is a retreat and spa located in Blue Clay Country, Latvia. It is designed to facilitate introspection and well-being by integrating the built environment with the natural landscape. Emphasizing user experience, the design embodies three core principles: Primitive, Separation, and Nature, each aimed at enriching interactions between visitors and their surroundings.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout promotes exploration and privacy through thoughtful organization of key areas, including the spa, guest house, and outdoor spaces. The spa features a cave-like design, fostering relaxation through sensory engagement. Its elongated corridors encourage a distortion of time, enhancing moments of introspection. The guest house serves as a warm, intimate space for visitors, designed to evoke feelings of comfort akin to a home. Outdoor areas incorporate gardens and pathways to facilitate interaction with the natural environment, reinforcing the connection between guests and the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The choice of materials is integral to the design, with an emphasis on sustainability and a strong connection to nature. Predominantly, concrete provides structural integrity and energy regulation, while extensive glass elements allow for abundant natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. Wood is utilized in both interiors and exteriors to offer warmth and comfort, complementing the overall aesthetic. Natural stone pathways enhance the integration of the building within its environment. The project also incorporates sustainable practices, such as rainwater collection and solar energy usage, demonstrating a commitment to an eco-friendly approach.

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

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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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