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Charred Wooden Shingles Blend With Blue Clay In A Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Marin Petković, Laura Ibrahić
Charred Wooden Shingles Blend With Blue Clay In A Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and blue clay, the wellness retreat harmoniously integrates natural elements to create a serene environment dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced blue clay, enhancing thermal performance.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Large glass windows ensure unobstructed views and maximize natural light.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid assembly and sustainability.
05
A central garden space serves as a focal point for restorative activities.

## Overview

The Blue Clay Country Spa is located in a serene landscape designed to promote wellness and mental well-being through thoughtful architectural integration with nature. The facility aims to function as a holistic retreat, where the design combines natural elements with innovative spatial organization, providing users with unique therapeutic experiences. This project focuses on reconnecting individuals with their environment, offering a refuge from the stress of modern life.

## Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization of the Blue Clay Country Spa is distinctly segmented into zones that cater to varied functions while supporting an overall sense of cohesion. Wellness areas include dedicated spaces for meditation and therapy, ensuring a restorative experience for users. Communal living and dining spaces foster social interaction among visitors, thereby reinforcing community engagement. Furthermore, direct access to outdoor gardens serves to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, facilitating a continuous interaction with nature.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a carefully selected palette of materials that enhance its architectural intentions. Blue clay is prominently utilized in therapeutic rooms, reinforcing the connection to natural elements. Extensive glass surfaces create visual continuity with the outdoor landscape while maximizing natural light. Natural stone and wood materials are incorporated throughout the interior, contributing to a tactile and warm atmosphere that encourages relaxation. The choice of local materials not only supports sustainability goals but also strengthens the connection to the regional context.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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