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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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