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Health Retreat Enveloped in Dark Thermo-Wood with Natural Blue Clay Elements

Authors:
Dainius Sadauskas, Gintaras Duoba, Lina Mozuraite
Health Retreat Enveloped in Dark Thermo-Wood with Natural Blue Clay Elements

Project in-detail

Emphasizing wellness through natural blue clay treatment, the retreat integrates dark thermo-wood in a functional layout that harmonizes with the surrounding forest, offering a tranquil space for relaxation and health.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasis on blue clay treatments for health and wellness.
02
Integration of four distinct functional zones linked by a unified roof.
03
Use of dark thermo-wood enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Strategic placement of outdoor spaces for immersive natural experiences.
05
Incorporation of rainwater harvesting for sustainable water management.

The Blue Clay Country Spa is located in a calm wooded area of Latvia, designed to focus on wellness by using the natural benefits of blue clay. This countryside guest house combines health treatments with a deep connection to nature. The design concept highlights relaxation and rejuvenation, inviting guests to experience both comfort and the surrounding environment.

Functional Zoning

The layout divides the spa into distinct functional areas, including an Arrival section, an Activity zone, a Relaxation zone, and a Garden. Each zone is carefully placed to maximize visitor experience and interaction with nature. The Arrival area connects to an existing forest road, leading visitors to a landscaped car park and paths that wind through greenery. The Activity zone features outdoor play equipment, shaded areas with hammocks, and peaceful spots near a central pond, encouraging guests to engage with the natural surroundings.

Architectural Cohesion

A key feature of the design is a continuous roof that links the four building areas. This roof not only serves practical purposes but also creates visual harmony with the surrounding oak trees, allowing the structure to blend quietly into the landscape. The use of horizontal lines across the façades draws inspiration from traditional Latvian architecture, adapting these elements to meet the needs of modern wellness facilities while respecting the existing environment.

Environmental Strategies

Sustainability plays an important role in the spa's design. The facility incorporates efficient water management systems, including rainwater harvesting and treatment processes for recycling. Water for everyday use comes from a geodesic drill, while geothermal energy provides warmth for the spa. Climate control is achieved through a closed-loop surface water heat pump that provides heating and cooling. Windows that open allow for cross-ventilation, improving air quality and comfort year-round.

Materials and Finishes

Careful attention has been given to material choices, focusing on durability and local relevance. Dark, moisture-resistant thermo-wood is used for the siding and roofing, ensuring the structure remains resilient against local weather. This choice of material enhances the visual appeal while supporting the commitment to sustainability, showing a thoughtful use of local resources.

The design emphasizes a connection to both health and nature, with paths that lead visitors through shaded oaks to calming water features and relaxing areas. In this inviting atmosphere, guests can unwind fully, immersed in both the architecture and environment around them.

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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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