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Curvilinear Wellness Retreat Enveloped in Blue Clay and Straw Construction

Authors:
Luis Gil, Cass Nakashima
Curvilinear Wellness Retreat Enveloped in Blue Clay and Straw Construction

Project in-detail

Constructed with a distinctive blend of blue clay and straw, the wellness retreat integrates curvilinear forms with its natural surroundings to create a serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with environmentally friendly light straw clay for insulation and thermal efficiency.
02
The design features a serpentine layout that enhances connectivity with the surrounding landscape.
03
Incorporates existing oak trees into the central courtyard, promoting biophilic design principles.
04
Interior finishes utilize blue clay to create a calming atmosphere for wellness spaces.
05
Outdoor meditation areas and tubs facilitate an immersive connection with nature.

The Blue Clay Country Spa is an architectural project designed to facilitate a tranquil retreat while emphasizing sustainability and integration with nature. This project combines the functions of a guesthouse and a wellness spa, encapsulated in a curvilinear form that interacts dynamically with the surrounding landscape. The layout promotes a thoughtful relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing user experience by providing various engagement options with nature.

The courtyard serves as the central organizing feature, where existing oak trees are preserved and incorporated into the design. This essential element not only provides a communal area for guests but also anchors the visual and functional aspects of the building.

Unique Architectural Approaches

The project incorporates a courtyard archetype to enhance the relationship between private and communal spaces. By employing a serpentine layout, the design guides users through a varied spatial experience that balances openness with intimacy. The consideration of natural light and views is paramount, as guest units are oriented to maximize the interaction with the landscape while ensuring privacy.

Materials chosen for this project include light straw clay for insulation and aesthetic appeal, local wood cladding to promote regional identity, and blue clay finishes in the interior for a tranquil ambiance. The use of these materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship, further embedding the building within its environmental context.

Innovative Functional Design

The spatial organization features designated zones for different activities, such as relaxation, dining, and wellness treatments. The integration of outdoor amenities, including tubs and meditation spaces, creates opportunities for guests to engage directly with nature. The design emphasizes the importance of external connections, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in natural elements while experiencing tranquility.

The carefully crafted circulation paths ensure a seamless flow throughout the various zones, leading guests on a sensory journey while fostering a connection to the built environment and its context. This focus on experience-driven design underscores the intent to cultivate well-being through architectural choices.

For a deeper understanding of the Blue Clay Country Spa, explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs, which illustrate the thoughtful integration of environmental considerations and user experience. An appreciation of the architectural ideas behind this project reveals its potential as a case study in contemporary architectural practice that values sustainability and spatial quality.

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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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