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Cerulean Clay Retreat Featuring Natural Cob Materials and Curvilinear Design For Holistic Wellness

Authors:
Cesar Elias Quintero, Leor Yehuda
Cerulean Clay Retreat Featuring Natural Cob Materials and Curvilinear Design For Holistic Wellness

Project in-detail

Built with natural cob and infused with the calming hues of cerulean clay, the oasis invites guests to explore holistic wellness through immersive therapy experiences while seamlessly integrating with the tranquil landscape of Kurzeme, Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes locally sourced blue clay for its therapeutic applications, enhancing the wellness experience.
02
Curvilinear architectural forms are designed to mirror the natural landscape, promoting a sense of tranquility.
03
Community gardens are integrated into the layout, encouraging guest participation in eco-friendly practices.
04
Natural cob is employed as a key building material, providing excellent insulation and sustainability benefits.
05
Extensive use of glass creates open visual connections to the surrounding forested environment, enhancing immersion in nature.
The Blue Clay Oasis is an architectural project located in Kurzeme, Latvia, designed to serve as a healing retreat that harmonizes with the natural environment. The project embodies a commitment to sustainability and wellness, providing a space where visitors can escape the rigors of everyday life while engaging with nature. The design emphasizes a strong connection to the local landscape, incorporating organic materials and eco-friendly practices to create a therapeutic atmosphere.

This architectural design represents an innovative approach to ecotourism, where the primary function is to foster wellbeing through natural therapies and community engagement. The Blue Clay Oasis functions as a multi-faceted retreat that includes therapy rooms, saunas, and communal gardens. It promotes self-care and relaxation while encouraging visitors to participate in activities that educate them about local ecology and wellness practices. By integrating these elements, the project goes beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to enhance the overall health and mindfulness of its guests.

Central to the project’s design are various key components. The reception area is welcoming and thoughtfully designed, creating an inviting atmosphere from the moment guests arrive. This area connects to therapy rooms where visitors can experience treatments using local resources such as natural blue clay, known for its therapeutic properties. These spaces are carefully arranged to ensure privacy while maintaining an open feel that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation.

The design also includes communal facilities like kitchens and dining areas that further emphasize the project’s community-focused ethos. Here, visitors are encouraged to engage with one another, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience. Community gardens are integrated into the landscape, allowing guests to learn about sustainable gardening practices while also enjoying the benefits of direct interaction with nature. This aspect reinforces the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship, enabling guests to participate in ecologically beneficial activities.

A unique design approach is evident in the selection and use of materials throughout the Blue Clay Oasis. The project prominently features cob, a natural building material made from clay, sand, and straw, recognized for its excellent insulation properties. Local timber and concrete are also integral to the structural elements, contributing to sustainability while offering durability. Expansive use of glass facilitates natural light, creating a visual connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reduces energy consumption by maximizing daylight.

Architecturally, the project favors curvilinear forms that mimic the surrounding topography, promoting an immersive experience that feels organic and cohesive with the environment. This choice contrasts with conventional rectangular buildings, providing a calming visual effect that echoes the natural world. By situating the structures strategically within the landscape, the design creates intimate outdoor spaces for reflection and connection to nature, encouraging mindfulness practices.

In summary, the Blue Clay Oasis illustrates a thoughtful integration of architecture with ecology, aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of its visitors while also supporting sustainability in the local context. The emphasis on natural materials, therapeutic design, and community interaction sets this project apart as a valuable addition to the region's ecotourism offerings. Those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Blue Clay Oasis are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its innovative features and designs.
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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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