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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Serenity in Spaces Designed for Wellness

Authors:
Kohki Hiranuma, Takehiro Muramatsu, Shoko Matsumoto, Sachiko Hiranuma
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Serenity in Spaces Designed for Wellness

Project in-detail

Inspired by the local landscape, the use of charred wooden shingles and blue clay plaster creates a harmonious connection between natural elements and contemporary design, providing a tranquil environment dedicated to wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Use of local blue clay plaster enhances environmental integration and aesthetics.
02
Expansive double-laminated glass strategically maximizes natural light throughout the spa.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide both a unique visual texture and fire resistance.
04
Bent A-frame design fosters open interior spaces while maintaining structural integrity.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and sustainable building practices.

## Overview

The design of the Blue Clay Country Spa is situated in Latvia's lush landscapes, aiming to harmonize contemporary architecture with the natural environment. By thoughtfully organizing spaces and selecting appropriate materials, the facility promotes a tranquil atmosphere conducive to relaxation and wellness. Key elements of the project include distinct areas for private retreat and communal engagement, all strategically positioned to enhance the connection to the surrounding landscape.

## Site Organization and User Interaction

The site plan emphasizes a deliberate arrangement of functional areas that cater to user experience while maximizing the benefits of the natural environment. The guest house, designed to provide privacy, incorporates separate zones for relaxation and social interaction, following the land's natural contours. The spa facilities include therapy rooms, a relaxation area, and a pool that visually extends toward a nearby pond, reinforcing the calming effects common to spa designs. A children's playground is distanced from quieter spaces, ensuring adults can enjoy a serene environment. An efficiently positioned service area maintains ease of access for personnel while prioritizing privacy for guests.

## Material Selection and Design Dynamics

Materials play a pivotal role in the design's aesthetic and functional characteristics. Reinforced concrete offers structural support, while double-laminated glass facades invite abundant natural light and views of the landscape. The use of blue clay plaster not only reflects local identity but also adds texture and warmth to interior spaces. Wood serves as a primary structural element, echoing organic forms found in the surrounding forest.

Moreover, the architectural form demonstrates a fluid house-shaped volume that mirrors the landscape’s undulations. Opportunistic skylights and expansive folding glass doors manipulate light density, creating variable ambiance tailored to each space’s function. Seasonal adaptability is achieved through deliberate design choices—such as facade angles and shading devices—that enhance comfort and connectivity to the outdoors throughout the year.

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

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Competition organisers

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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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