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Charred Wood Shingles and Light-Infused Spaces in a Wellness Retreat Environment

Authors:
Berenice Moran, Piotr Janus
Charred Wood Shingles and Light-Infused Spaces in a Wellness Retreat Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape while offering a dedicated space for wellness and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views of the landscape.
04
Employs a rainwater collection system to promote sustainability and resource efficiency.
05
Designed to adapt to seasonal changes, enhancing user experience year-round.
The Blue Clay Country Spa is an architectural project located in Latvia that embodies the integration of natural elements and architectural design. This project serves as a wellness retreat focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation within a serene landscape, emphasizing a connection to water and the surrounding environment. The design aims to enhance user experience through its thoughtfully curated spaces, strong materiality, and the incorporation of sustainable building practices.

The spa is organized around a central water feature, which acts as a focal point while providing both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. Key functions of the project include treatment rooms, relaxation areas, and living accommodations. Each space is designed to optimize natural light and connection to the outdoors, creating a fluid interaction between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The overall layout promotes a calm atmosphere conducive to healing and mindfulness.

One of the project’s unique design approaches includes its close relationship with the site’s topography. The building's footprint follows the natural contours of the land, reducing site disruption and enhancing visual continuity with the landscape. Extensive use of glass in the facade allows for panoramic views and integrates the environment into the interior spaces, bringing in natural light and creating a sense of openness.

The materiality of the Blue Clay Country Spa is carefully selected to align with the project’s sustainable ethos. Concrete provides structural integrity while maintaining a warm aesthetic in earth tones. Wood is used in various interior elements, contributing to a tactile, warm environment. The design employs rainwater harvesting systems that further enhance its eco-friendly profile. Cross ventilation principles are considered, which reduces the reliance on mechanical systems, thereby lowering the building's carbon footprint.

The Blue Clay Country Spa exemplifies an architectural response to the natural environment that standard wellness facilities often overlook. By combining functional spaces with thoughtful design principles, it elevates the typical spa experience into a holistic approach to wellness. The integration of seasonal changes into spatial planning allows for variability and adaptability, ensuring that the building serves its purpose throughout the year.

For more insights into the Blue Clay Country Spa, consider exploring its architectural plans and detailed sections. Reviewing these architectural designs will provide a deeper understanding of the innovative features and ideas that define this project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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