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Curvilinear Structure Embracing Natural Light with Vertical Wood Planks and Concrete Elements

Author:
Giuseppe Cericola
Curvilinear Structure Embracing Natural Light with Vertical Wood Planks and Concrete Elements
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A curvilinear design constructed with vertical wood planks and expansive glazing fosters a seamless connection with nature, creating a tranquil environment for wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear forms reflect the surrounding landscape, enhancing the building's organic presence.
02
Vertical wood planks add texture and warmth, emphasizing local craftsmanship.
03
Expansive glazing allows for natural light, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
04
A focus on sustainability is evident in the use of eco-friendly materials throughout.
05
Therapeutic spaces are strategically arranged to promote relaxation and well-being.

### Project Overview

Located in Kurzeme, Western Latvia, the Blue Clay Country Spa is designed to integrate with its natural surroundings while fostering interaction between indoor and outdoor environments. The architectural intent centers around enhancing the visitors' experience through an organic form that minimizes barriers between the interior spaces and the landscape, ensuring a cohesive relationship with the site’s ecological elements.

### Spatial Strategy

The design emphasizes fluidity, employing curvilinear forms that reflect natural patterns and contours of the terrain. This approach facilitates comfortable movement throughout the facility, while also preserving existing vegetation and introducing new landscaping elements that complement the local flora. The interior layout prioritizes functionality and user interaction, with zones designated for reception, therapy rooms, dining, and leisure, promoting relaxation and engagement.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A diverse palette of materials supports the architectural vision of the spa. Concrete forms the structural base, ensuring durability, while glazed façades enhance transparency, allowing natural light to permeate the interior. Vertical wood planks contribute warmth and texture, reinforcing the connection to the surrounding landscape and local craftsmanship. The design prioritizes sustainability by incorporating natural ventilation and maximizing daylight, fostering an energy-efficient environment that supports well-being through a strong connection to nature.

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

`
Competition organisers

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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