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Curvilinear Design Utilizing Cast-in-Place Concrete and Natural Oak Within a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Authors:
soontak Joo, Seung Joon OH, Sohyun Park, Heejin Kang
Curvilinear Design Utilizing Cast-in-Place Concrete and Natural Oak Within a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing cast-in-place concrete and local oak, this retreat seamlessly integrates curvilinear forms with the landscape, creating a tranquil environment dedicated to wellness and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes existing oak trees as integral elements in site layout.
02
Incorporates extensive glazing for optimal natural light and views.
03
Features a thermally efficient concrete mass to maintain indoor climate.
04
Includes roof terraces that connect indoor spaces to the landscape.
05
Emphasizes curvilinear design to blend architecture with natural contours.

The Blue Clay Country Spa is a thoughtfully designed architectural project situated in a wooded landscape. It aims to provide a tranquil retreat focused on wellness, integrating seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The architecture captures the essence of a minimalist aesthetic while ensuring functional spaces for relaxation, treatment, and social interaction.

This project represents a synergy between human activity and the environment, prioritizing sustainability and ecological sensitivity. The design features a rectangular form that mirrors the natural contours of the site, creating a harmonious relationship with the landscape. The primary function of the spa includes private treatment areas, communal spaces, and facilities for wellness programs.

Emphasizing a connection to nature, the project integrates existing oak trees into its layout and utilizes materials that reflect the natural environment. This enhances the user experience, fostering a sense of calm and well-being.

Material Selection and Integration The materials selected for the Blue Clay Country Spa serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Cast-in-place concrete forms the primary structure, chosen for its durability and thermal performance. The use of concrete is complemented by timber cladding, which adds warmth and texture to the exterior and interior spaces. The design also incorporates extensive glazing, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors while framing views of the surrounding landscape. This careful selection of materials contributes to the project’s sustainability goals and enhances user comfort.

Unique Design Approaches The Blue Clay Country Spa distinguishes itself through its innovative integration with the landscape. Rather than imposing upon the natural environment, the design respects and enhances it by preserving significant trees and allowing them to inform site circulation and layout. The application of a radial grid in organization promotes intuitive navigation, creating fluid transitions between the indoor and outdoor environments.

The project employs a dynamic spatial arrangement that fosters both privacy and community. By clustering individual treatment areas and social spaces, users can enjoy solitude or engage with others as preferred. The incorporation of roof terraces allows for outdoor relaxation and connections to the scenery.

These unique design approaches highlight the project’s commitment to environmental sensitivity, wellness, and user experience. Professionals interested in the intricacies of the design are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and overall ideas presented in the project to gain deeper insights. The Blue Clay Country Spa stands as a relevant case study for contemporary architectural practices focused on sustainability and the integration of wellness within the built environment.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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