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Healing Spaces Composed of Blue Clay and Integrated Natural Elements

Authors:
Yonghun LEE, Doo san BAEK, Seoungyeon LEE, Dongin CHOI
Healing Spaces Composed of Blue Clay and Integrated Natural Elements

Project in-detail

Constructed with blue clay and designed around a central oak tree, the wellness retreat fosters a deep connection to the unique landscape of Kurzeme while providing therapeutic spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with locally sourced blue clay for its therapeutic properties.
02
Features an outdoor mud pool directly connected to the healing capabilities of blue clay.
03
Designed around a central oak tree, creating a natural focal point for the retreat.
04
Includes a dedicated pottery education space to engage visitors with clay materials.
05
Integrates an eco-trail to enhance visitor access and interaction with the surrounding landscape.

The Blue Clay Country Spa is located in the Kurzeme region of Latvia, where the natural environment is characterized by unique geological formations, including raised bogs. This facility functions as a wellness retreat, designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings while encouraging relaxation and rejuvenation. The concept is deeply influenced by local geography, particularly the properties of blue clay, which play a significant role in the spa's identity. The architecture fosters a strong connection to nature, reflecting a commitment to sustainable design.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the Blue Clay Country Spa is carefully organized to create distinct areas for different functions. These include dedicated spaces for the spa, guesthouse, and service facilities. The arrangement enhances how visitors move through the space and experience its different offerings. A prominent oak tree acts as a focal point, connecting the various elements of the facility. This arrangement encourages a sense of community and helps visitors feel rooted in the natural landscape.

Therapeutic Features

The design emphasizes wellness by incorporating specific features aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. The therapy area includes spaces for relaxation and treatment, such as an outdoor mud pool where guests can benefit from the properties of blue clay. An indoor space for pottery education invites hands-on interaction with the material, reinforcing the spa's therapeutic focus. These thoughtful elements create an environment that promotes well-being while grounding visitors in the region's unique geological context.

Sustainability and Landscape Integration

Sustainability plays an important role in the design. The Blue Clay Country Spa blends natural landscaping with the built environment to minimize ecological impact. Gardens for growing vegetables and fruits enhance the site while offering educational opportunities for visitors. Walking paths connect various areas of the spa, encouraging exploration. Features like a meditation pond and an outdoor ceramic exhibition space promote interaction with nature and support a broader understanding of the local ecosystem and its value.

Architectural Details

The guesthouse is positioned to face the oak tree, allowing visitors to appreciate its presence. The use of bluish glass in its design maximizes natural light and offers expansive views of the landscape. This attention to orientation and material choice creates spaces that serve their intended function while reflecting the tranquility of the surroundings. The design of the Blue Clay Country Spa embodies a commitment to wellness and sustainability, integrating natural elements and fostering a deep connection with the local environment.

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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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