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Charmed by Charred Wood Shingles and Sustainable Glass Facades in a Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Nayla Arida Abboud, Shirine Sbaiti
Charmed by Charred Wood Shingles and Sustainable Glass Facades in a Wellness Retreat
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Incorporating charred wood shingles and expansive glass facades, the design seamlessly merges with its natural surroundings to create an adaptable wellness retreat focused on relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for superior durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural stability.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for optimized snow management and aesthetics.
04
Utilizes large glass facades to maximize natural light and views of the landscape.
05
Includes a modular layout, allowing for flexible use of space and future expansion.

### Overview

Located in rural Latvia, the Blue Clay Country Spa is designed to foster a harmonious relationship between architecture and the natural landscape. The project consists of several interconnected structures that prioritize flexibility and sustainability, while adopting contemporary organic forms inspired by the local environment. The design aims to create a tranquil atmosphere conducive to wellness, integrating the built elements into the surrounding terrain.

### Site Integration and Modular Framework

The site responsiveness is a key focus of the spa's design. The structures are strategically positioned to enhance views of the natural scenery, employing a modular approach that allows for variation in orientation, consequently promoting a connection with the landscape. Each architectural module, including freestanding elements and viewing alcoves, contributes to a cohesive site layout while enabling future adaptability and expansion.

The architecture features varied heights and roof forms to address local climate needs, including slanted roofs that facilitate snow shedding and maximize daylight. Roofs are equipped to channel rainwater to storage systems, reinforcing the project's commitment to self-sustainability.

### Material Utilization

Careful selection of materials informs both the aesthetic character and functional performance of the spa. Natural wood cladding offers warmth and integrates with the locale, while large panes of glass enhance natural lighting and views, contributing to a serene environment. Steel provides structural integrity, particularly in the roofing system, while concrete underlies the flooring, balancing the lightweight elements of the design with necessary stability.

The design incorporates advanced sustainability measures, including wall and ceiling insulation for thermal efficiency, solar panels for renewable energy harnessing, and a snow melting system to facilitate maintenance during winter months. These elements collectively emphasize the project’s goal of reducing its ecological footprint while enhancing user experience.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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