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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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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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