Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cerulean Clay Walls and Wattle Construction in a Serene Wellness Retreat

Author:
Nolan Loh
Cerulean Clay Walls and Wattle Construction in a Serene Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from local blue clay and traditional wattle techniques, the retreat integrates a green roof and permaculture gardens to create a restorative wellness environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using wattle and daub construction with local blue clay for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Integrates a green roof that promotes biodiversity and reduces energy consumption.
03
Features permaculture gardens designed to sustain the retreat's culinary needs.
04
Incorporates large windows for natural light and views, enhancing the connection to nature.
05
Utilizes traditional local building techniques to reduce environmental impact and promote cultural heritage.

The Blue Clay Country Spa is an architectural project that combines modern design principles with traditional building techniques to create a unique wellness retreat. Situated in a natural landscape, the project emphasizes sustainability and the integration of architecture with its surroundings. The layout consists of several interconnected structures that promote both community interaction and individual privacy, fostering a sense of retreat and relaxation for visitors.

Design Functionality and Spatial Arrangement

The spa's primary function is to provide a tranquil environment for wellness and relaxation. The design incorporates several multifunctional spaces that enhance the user experience. The central communal area serves as a hub for social activities, while individual quarters provide spaces for private contemplation and rest. Careful organization of these spaces allows for seamless movement and interaction among guests, while maintaining opportunities for solitude.

The architectural decisions made in the layout prioritize visual connections to the surrounding landscape. Large windows and open spaces facilitate natural light and integrate outdoor views, creating a harmonious relationship between the interior and the environment. The green roof, designed with various native plants, not only adds aesthetic value but also provides insulation and contributes to the thermal efficiency of the building.

Integrative Sustainable Design Strategies

A significant aspect of the Blue Clay Country Spa is its use of sustainable construction techniques. The project employs local materials, notably the wattle and daub technique, which uses a framework of wooden reeds filled with blue clay. This method is not only eco-friendly but also promotes a connection to local building traditions. The thermal properties of blue clay contribute to energy efficiency, making the design suitable for varying climate conditions.

The multi-layered building envelope is another vital component of this project. The design utilizes a combination of storm shells, privacy screens, and thermal linings to create effective thermal boundaries. These elements work together to regulate indoor climates and enhance comfort, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling systems.

Water management is addressed through the implementation of hugelkultur gardening, enhancing the ecosystem while providing a sustainable food source for the spa. This method reflects the project's commitment to environmental stewardship and education about sustainable practices.

Distinctive Architectural Elements

The Blue Clay Country Spa distinguishes itself from conventional wellness facilities by its holistic approach to environmental integration. The emphasis on adaptive reuse of local materials aligns the project with contemporary architectural practices focused on reducing the carbon footprint. The design engages with the natural topography, employing landscaping that fosters biodiversity while enhancing the therapeutic qualities of the site.

Moreover, the architecture encourages a direct connection to the elements, incorporating natural light and airflow into the spa's spaces. The strategic placement of windows and the use of retractable fabrics prioritize privacy while allowing for environmental control. This adaptability enhances the overall user experience, aligning with modern trends in architecture that seek to create resilient and flexible spaces.

The Blue Clay Country Spa is a significant study in blending architectural design with ecological responsibility. For a comprehensive understanding of this project, including its architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged.

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

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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
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