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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.

## Project Overview

The Blue Clay Country Spa is situated in a scenic location that emphasizes a harmonious blend of private and communal spaces within a natural landscape. The design integrates a guesthouse and spa, characterized by a curvilinear layout that responds thoughtfully to its environment. The intent is to create spaces that foster interaction between indoor and outdoor settings, enriching the user experience through a progression of natural and constructed elements.

## Spatial Strategy

### Courtyard Configuration

Central to the design is a courtyard that frames existing oak trees, serving as a focal point for both active and passive recreational activities. This configuration allows for diverse family interactions, with designated areas where children can play under adult supervision. The serpentine layout of the building enhances the journey through the site, leading users from expansive views to intimate, sheltered spaces. This design approach aims to cultivate a narrative flow, encouraging users to explore various sensory experiences throughout the premises.

### Functional Zoning and Circulation

The layout clearly delineates functional areas while integrating them within the existing landscape. Guesthouse units are directly linked to the courtyard, providing optimal views and outdoor access while maintaining privacy. In contrast, the spa areas feature more secluded environments designed for tranquility. Each function—dining, relaxation, and treatment—is assigned its own courtyard space, promoting exploration and interaction as visitors navigate through the complex with ease. Curvilinear circulation paths facilitate seamless movement, enhancing the overall connection to nature.

## Materiality and Sustainability

### Construction and Environmental Integration

Materials were selected for their sustainability and local availability. The use of light straw clay not only enhances the building's insulation but also provides a unique aesthetic, deriving from on-site resources. Regional timber cladding minimizes transportation emissions and reinforces the structure's integration into the surrounding landscape. Interior spaces are treated with blue clay finishes, fostering a serene atmosphere that complements the spa's introspective focus.

### Ecological Considerations

The design prioritizes ecological balance by enhancing local biodiversity through the integration of native vegetation and water features. Outdoor amenities, such as meditation areas and edible gardens, provide direct interaction with the environment while promoting sustainability. The building's orientation and layout are strategically designed to optimize natural light and ventilation, further reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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