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Holistic Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Integrated Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Teik Rong Khoo, Katie Chun Yan Tan
Holistic Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Integrated Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels define a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with Kureme's landscape, fostering wellness through its thoughtful design and integration of natural elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique texture and aesthetic.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels allows for rapid construction and reduced environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and improves structural stability.
04
Native vegetation is integrated into the landscaping to support local biodiversity.
05
An on-site vegetable garden promotes self-sustainability and farm-to-table dining experiences.

The Village Spa project in Kureme, Western Latvia, is an architectural endeavor that embodies the principles of sustainability and wellness through a design that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. This project serves as a multi-functional retreat aimed at promoting health, relaxation, and connection to nature, catering to both individual and communal needs.

The overall layout comprises several key facilities, including a spa, dining hall, guest accommodations, and staff quarters, all designed to facilitate a holistic experience. The placement of each component has been carefully considered to enhance views of the landscape, employ natural light, and ensure accessibility. The architectural design uses a combination of materials, such as wood, glass, metal, and stone, to create a harmonious aesthetic that reflects the local environment. The attention to materiality not only contributes to the visual appeal but also enhances the functionality and longevity of the structures.

Holistic Wellness and Sustainability A distinctive feature of the Village Spa is its commitment to holistic wellness. The spa area is designed with wellness in mind, providing spaces for relaxation and therapeutic treatments. The integration of outdoor and indoor environments creates a continuous flow between nature and activities, fostering a restorative atmosphere. The inclusion of a vegetable garden and farm areas showcases a unique approach to self-sustainability. This aspect enhances the project's ecological footprint while providing fresh produce for the dining facilities, encouraging visitors to engage with nature in a meaningful way.

Architectural Integration with Landscape The project emphasizes architectural integration with its natural surroundings. Large trees and native vegetation have been preserved, with pathways and communal spaces designed to encourage exploration and interaction with the landscape. The ceremonial lawn serves as a multifunctional area for gatherings, reinforcing community connection. This careful site planning supports not only aesthetic goals but also ecological diversity, creating habitats for local wildlife while offering educational opportunities for visitors.

The Village Spa project illustrates a methodical approach to architecture, demonstrating how designed environments can foster wellness and sustainability. To explore the project further, look into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented to gain deeper insights into the concept and execution of this thoughtful initiative.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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