Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Charred Wood Shingle Facade and Sustainable Design in a Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Yoan LA SELVA, Sisley Carnus, Faustine Bertrand
Charred Wood Shingle Facade and Sustainable Design in a Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Employing a charred wood shingle facade and locally sourced materials, the retreat seamlessly integrates sustainability with therapeutic wellness experiences amid the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Designed with integrated rainwater harvesting systems for efficient water management.
05
Includes natural pools that offer outdoor therapeutic experiences in a serene setting.
The Blue Clay Country Spa is an architectural project situated near the Kizune River in Latvia. This design integrates wellness spaces with natural surroundings, creating a facility that emphasizes relaxation and rejuvenation. It features a series of interconnected volumes that encourage an organic flow throughout the site while simultaneously reinforcing the relationship between architecture and nature. The architectural form is influenced by the local landscape, ensuring that the structure complements its environment.

Site Layout and Spatial Organization

The layout of the spa is distinctly organized into functional areas that support both communal and individual experiences. Public spaces include a restaurant, bar, and library, fostering interaction among visitors while providing access to the natural beauty of the site. Private therapy and wellness rooms are strategically placed to maintain a tranquil ambiance, promoting a peaceful environment for treatments. Additionally, accommodations are designed with comfort in mind, offering guests a retreat that aligns with spa principles.

The architectural design includes a variety of outdoor spaces, including terraces and natural pools, facilitating a connection with the environment and enhancing the overall experience. Each zone of the spa is carefully considered, reflecting both operability and user comfort, which are central to its function.

Sustainable Design Strategies

What distinguishes the Blue Clay Country Spa from many similar projects is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The design employs natural ventilation strategies, reducing dependency on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Rainwater harvesting is incorporated to manage water resources effectively. The utilization of locally sourced materials such as wood and insulation helps to minimize transportation emissions and supports the regional economy.

Photovoltaic solar panels are integrated into the design, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency. The double-shelled roofs not only provide natural ventilation but also improve thermal insulation. Together, these design elements optimize the building's operational efficiency while reinforcing the connection to the surrounding landscape.

Architectural Materiality and Aesthetics

The project's material palette is carefully chosen to reflect its geographical context and architectural narrative. The use of prismed safety glass tiles allows for natural light penetration while maintaining transparency and safety. Locally sourced woods impart warmth to the interior spaces and offer durability against environmental elements. The inclusion of straw or hemp insulation contributes to overall energy performance while reflecting a sustainable ethos.

The architectural design emphasizes a cohesive aesthetic that merges contemporary needs with traditional elements, echoing the cultural context of the region. By maintaining a dialogue between the structure and its environment, the Blue Clay Country Spa represents a modern interpretation of wellness architecture.

For additional insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas integral to the Blue Clay Country Spa, explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative features. The combination of spatial organization, sustainability strategies, and material choices underscores the project’s role in contemporary architectural discourse.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
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 16,979 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