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Cerulean Earth Retreat Built with Charred Shingles and Steel Elements

Authors:
Peter Ballman, Daria Khapalova
Cerulean Earth Retreat Built with Charred Shingles and Steel Elements

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred shingles and a central pond, the retreat emphasizes ecological integration and wellness, offering a serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates a central pond designed to promote therapeutic practices and enhance tranquility.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural performance and environmental sustainability.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for maximum light penetration and openness.
05
Integrates outdoor meditation spaces that encourage engagement with the surrounding landscape.
The Blue Clay Country Spa is an architectural project located in the Kurzeme region of Latvia. Designed to serve as a wellness and relaxation retreat, the facility integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, promoting both mental and physical well-being. The project balances functionality with aesthetic considerations, presenting a contemporary architectural solution that prioritizes user experience and ecological sensitivity.

The layout of the Blue Clay Country Spa is organized around a central pond, which serves as the heart of the design. This water feature not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the therapeutic atmosphere of the spa. Spaces throughout the facility are purposefully arranged to facilitate interaction between indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring a constant connection with nature.

Unique Design Approaches

The Blue Clay Country Spa differentiates itself from other wellness centers through its focus on environmental integration. The architecture employs an open floor plan that maximizes natural light and provides expansive views of the landscape. Large windows and glass panels are strategically placed to create transparency, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside. This design choice enhances the user experience, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the scenic surroundings.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project’s identity. Wood is extensively used for interior finishes, creating warmth and comfort, while steel is employed for structural elements, providing durability and modern aesthetics. Concrete serves as a primary building material, contributing to the project's stability, and is complemented by powder-coated steel for various architectural components. These materials have been chosen not only for their performance characteristics but also to align with the project’s overarching theme of sustainability.

Architectural functions within the Blue Clay Country Spa are divided into distinct zones. These include residential areas, spa facilities, and recreational spaces, each designed to fulfill specific needs. The spa features treatment rooms, saunas, and therapeutic pools that increase the facility's wellness offerings. Outdoor areas are designed with gardens and meditation spots, promoting an active lifestyle and fostering relaxation.

Innovative use of water features throughout the spa enhances its therapeutic function. Water channels and reflection pools contribute to the tranquil environment, reinforcing the project's focus on wellness. This multifaceted approach ensures the Blue Clay Country Spa is not just another wellness facility but a place for holistic rejuvenation.

For further exploration of its architectural plans, sections, and designs, interested readers are encouraged to review the comprehensive project presentation to gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas that shape this impactful architectural endeavor.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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