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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Lighting in a Sustainable Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Victoria Aguilar Crespo, Alejandro Aguilar García
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Lighting in a Sustainable Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass walls, the design enhances natural light while promoting a connection to the landscape, ultimately serving as a dedicated space for wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the surroundings.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, promoting unique interior spatial dynamics and maximizing natural light.
04
Integrates a green roof to enhance insulation and promote biodiversity within the ecosystem.
05
Employs passive design principles for energy efficiency, including strategic placement of windows for natural ventilation.
The Blue Clay Country Spa is an architectural project situated in Kurzeme, Latvia, designed to create a peaceful retreat that emphasizes wellness and sustainability. The project integrates seamlessly into the natural landscape, incorporating views and materials that reflect the surrounding environment. It aims to provide a space where visitors can engage with nature while enjoying various health and relaxation treatments.

The primary function of the Blue Clay Country Spa includes treatment and therapy rooms, accommodation areas, communal spaces, and facilities for dining. Each component is strategically designed to promote relaxation and community interaction, ensuring that visitors have access to both private and social experiences. The architectural layout fosters an intuitive flow between spaces, enhancing the user's experience throughout the facility.

The design stands out through its unique integration of the natural environment. Extensive use of glass allows for ample natural light and unobstructed views of the lush forest surroundings, which plays a crucial role in the therapeutic aspects of the spa. This design approach minimizes the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting nature inside and providing a calming atmosphere.

Additionally, the project employs sustainable architectural practices. The use of wood for structural elements creates a warm ambiance while ensuring the facade remains visually aligned with traditional Latvian aesthetics. Concrete is utilized for its durability, while biosustainable practices, such as solar energy integration, further enhance the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship. These elements work collectively to create a facility that is not only functional but also eco-friendly.

The modular design of the Blue Clay Country Spa allows for flexibility in space usage. This modularity not only optimizes the construction approach but also emphasizes the potential for adaptability in the future. Careful attention to acoustic privacy in therapy rooms ensures that the spa experience remains tranquil and conducive to relaxation.

Overall, the Blue Clay Country Spa exemplifies an architectural design that prioritizes user experience, sustainability, and engagement with the surrounding landscape. For a more detailed understanding of the project’s architectural plans and sections, as well as further insights into the architectural concepts and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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