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Hexagonal Retreat Integrating Birch Panels and Photovoltaic Elements in a Sustainable Wellness Village

Authors:
Matteo D'Inca, Daniele Zandonella Necca
Hexagonal Retreat Integrating Birch Panels and Photovoltaic Elements in a Sustainable Wellness Village

Project in-detail

Showcasing a hexagonal design crafted from locally sourced birch and enhanced with photovoltaic elements, the wellness village seamlessly integrates into Latvia's natural landscape to offer a rejuvenating retreat focused on holistic health and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The village design employs a hexagonal layout to optimize space and enhance community interactions.
02
Local birch wood is extensively used, reflecting regional identity and sustainability practices.
03
Integrated photovoltaic panels maximize energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
04
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and provide a visually appealing texture.
05
Thermal insulation is achieved through innovative polystyrene panels, ensuring year-round comfort.
The Blue Clay Country Spa Village project represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and nature in the serene landscape of Latvia, specifically within the Kurzeme region. This design aims to create a harmonious retreat where visitors can rejuvenate and reconnect with the natural surroundings. The project emphasizes wellness, sustainability, and community, making it a significant architectural contribution to the region.

At its core, the Blue Clay Country Spa Village functions as a wellness destination, providing spaces for relaxation, healing, and communal experiences. The design features various modules that serve distinct purposes, including a spa, guest accommodations, and communal dining facilities. These spaces are interconnected through landscaped pathways, encouraging exploration and interaction while promoting a sense of community among visitors.

The architectural design is characterized by its modular hexagonal configuration, which echoes natural forms found in honeycombs. This design choice not only optimizes spatial efficiency but also allows for flexibility in the layout. Each hexagon can serve different functions, accommodating the varying needs of guests and staff. The modules are situated strategically to capitalize on the site’s unique topography and views, effectively blending built and natural environments.

A significant aspect of the project is its materiality. The use of locally sourced materials, such as wood and birch panels, reflects the regional identity and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structures. Wood serves as the primary material, providing warmth and a tactile quality to the interiors, while large glass elements create transparency, inviting natural light into the interiors and connecting indoor spaces with the outside world. Polystyrene panels contribute to the energy efficiency of the buildings, ensuring a comfortable indoor climate. Galvanized steel is used in structural components, offering durability and a modern contrast to the organic materials. Furthermore, the incorporation of photovoltaic panels showcases a commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, powering the facilities with clean energy.

The layout of the Blue Clay Country Spa Village fosters movement and interaction among guests. Thoughtfully designed pathways lead visitors through gardens featuring native plant species, water features, and communal spaces, enhancing the overall experience. The spa module is a focal point, integrating therapeutic water elements that support relaxation and wellness. Additionally, communal areas are designed to encourage social gatherings, celebrating the essence of community living.

One of the unique design approaches employed in this project is the emphasis on environmental sustainability. Each building is designed to operate independently in terms of its energy and heating needs, utilizing strategies such as rainwater collection and natural ventilation to minimize its ecological footprint. This focus on sustainability underscores a growing recognition within architecture of the importance of ecological awareness and social responsibility.

Unique to the Blue Clay Country Spa Village is not just the intention to foster well-being through architecture but also to promote a lifestyle that prioritizes a connection to nature and community. By employing a design that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, the project successfully elevates the experience of wellness tourism in a natural setting.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the Blue Clay Country Spa Village, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation, which includes detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate the innovative ideas behind this meaningful architectural endeavor. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the project and its aspirations.
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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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