Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades in a Wellness Retreat Focused on Natural Connection

Authors:
Dainius Sadauskas, Gintaras Duoba, Lina Mozuraite
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades in a Wellness Retreat Focused on Natural Connection

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles contrast elegantly with expansive glass facades, creating a harmonious blend of natural materials that invite the tranquility of Latvia's landscape into a dedicated wellness retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes spatial dynamics and natural light within the interior.
04
Reflective ponds are integrated to create a calming atmosphere and enhance outdoor connectivity.
05
The layout thoughtfully balances communal and private spaces to support various wellness activities.
The Blue Clay Country Spa represents a thoughtful embodiment of wellness architecture, situated in Latvia’s tranquil landscapes. This architectural project is designed as a contemporary guest house focused on providing a space for relaxation, healing, and connection with nature. Its primary function is to create a soothing environment for visitors seeking spa treatments within a serene setting, fostering both individual well-being and communal engagement.

The architectural language of the Blue Clay Country Spa reflects a commitment to simplicity and elegance. The structure features sweeping gabled roofs that echo the natural topography, promoting a seamless flow between the building and its surroundings. This design approach highlights the relationship between architecture and nature, with the intent of blending the built environment into the picturesque landscape of Latvia. The layout is functional, incorporating both private and communal spaces that encourage interaction among guests while providing the necessary quiet areas for personal reflection and relaxation.

One of the key aspects of this project is its attention to materiality. The selection of materials is both practical and aesthetic, with a focus on sustainability. Treated timber cladding is used for the exterior, offering a warm and inviting appearance while ensuring durability in the face of the elements. Inside, timber flooring and ceiling finishes enhance the cozy atmosphere, creating a welcoming environment. Large glass panels comprise significant portions of the façade, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces and providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This emphasis on transparency not only connects the inside with the outside but also promotes a sense of openness and tranquility.

The project employs a rigid thermal insulation system for both the roof and walls, ensuring energy efficiency throughout the building. Reinforced concrete is utilized in the foundation, providing a secure base that supports the expansive design while minimizing the environmental impact. Steel framing permits generous open spaces within the structure, allowing freedom in the layout of wellness facilities, treatment rooms, and relaxation areas.

The site planning of the Blue Clay Country Spa is another noteworthy element. The layout is carefully considered to facilitate easy movement and connectivity among various spaces. Pathways designed for accessibility link the different areas of the spa, including a playground for children and communal gathering spaces. Water features, such as reflective ponds, enhance the sensory experience and encourage a deep connection with nature, promoting peace and relaxation in the outdoor environment.

In terms of unique design approaches, the Blue Clay Country Spa seeks to establish harmony between built and natural environments, highlighting the importance of wellness in architecture. The design invites users to transition smoothly between indoor and outdoor settings, encapsulating the essence of holistic well-being. By integrating energy-efficient systems, the project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which is an increasingly important factor in contemporary architectural design.

The architectural designs and ideas embodied in the Blue Clay Country Spa offer insightful lessons in creating spaces that prioritize user experience while respecting the environment. For those interested in exploring this project further, a look at the architectural plans, sections, and various design elements will provide a deeper understanding of its function and innovative approaches. The Blue Clay Country Spa exemplifies modern wellness architecture, inviting an exploration of its harmony with nature and the thoughtful consideration of materiality and user interaction.
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 16544 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