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Curved Architecture in Blue Clay and Walnut Wood Enhancing Wellness Retreat Experience

Author:
Bahar Beslioglu
Curved Architecture in Blue Clay and Walnut Wood Enhancing Wellness Retreat Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced blue clay and walnut wood, the design capitalizes on fluid architectural forms to create a wellness retreat that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces for optimal relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced blue clay as a primary material, integrating it into the landscape.
02
Incorporates walnut wood throughout the structure for warmth and aesthetic cohesion.
03
Features fluid architectural forms that enhance visual connection with the natural surroundings.
04
Includes sliding doors that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Designed with various treatment rooms that offer tailored wellness experiences.

### Overview and Context

Located adjacent to a serene pond and a lush forest, the Blue Clay Country Spa is designed to harmonize wellness, nature, and sustainability. Its fundamental intent is to promote relaxation and rejuvenation while preserving the natural landscape. The incorporation of local materials, particularly blue clay, serves both therapeutic and architectural functions, establishing a connection between the built environment and its surroundings.

### Spatial Integration and User Experience

The design reflects a commitment to holistic well-being, emphasizing the integration of natural elements throughout the facility. Buildings feature fluid architectural forms with gentle curves that echo the landscape, creating a tranquil visual experience. The site layout is carefully planned to maximize views and accessibility, facilitating a range of activities from spa treatments to outdoor recreation. Specific areas, such as treatment rooms and relaxation zones, are designed with varying ceiling heights and wall configurations to enhance sensory engagement, while sliding doors facilitate a direct connection to nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project prioritizes the use of local and sustainable materials. Blue clay is artistically utilized at the pond’s edge, enhancing both the aesthetic and therapeutic qualities of the space. Walnut wood is integrated for structural and decorative purposes, contributing warmth while preserving ecological integrity. Expansive glass elements are incorporated to maximize natural light and blur the lines between interior and exterior spaces, further emphasizing transparency. Steel is employed strategically in the framing to ensure structural stability while supporting open, inviting environments. Outdoor features include landscaped areas and multifunctional clay structures, fostering engagement with the natural environment and promoting a sense of well-being among visitors.

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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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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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