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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

Project in-detail

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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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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