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Interconnected Volumes Featuring Natural Light and Organic Shapes Crafted from Sustainable Materials

Author:
Pedro Precedo
Interconnected Volumes Featuring Natural Light and Organic Shapes Crafted from Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Crafted from sustainable materials, interconnected volumes of natural light and organic shapes create an immersive wellness retreat designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural stability while reducing carbon footprint.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique aesthetic while offering protection against weathering and pests.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light, creating bright and inviting interior spaces.
04
Interconnected volumes promote a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor environments for enhanced visitor interaction.
05
Sustainable water features are integrated into the landscape, contributing to the site's ecological balance and tranquility.
The Blue Clay Spa project represents a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, designed to foster relaxation and well-being through its thoughtfully conceived spaces and materials. This architectural endeavor is rooted in the principles of wellness, aiming to create a sanctuary where visitors can connect with themselves and the natural environment. The project serves multiple functions, including therapy rooms, relaxation areas, dining spaces, and accommodations, all interconnected to support a seamless experience.

The architectural design manifests as a series of organic forms that mimic natural organisms, promoting an intuitive interaction between the built environment and its surroundings. This design approach not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also emphasizes the project’s commitment to wellness. The arrangement of spaces is deliberate, ensuring that each area serves a unique purpose while contributing to an overarching sense of tranquility and community. The layout features various modules, including therapy rooms, saunas, dining areas, a kitchen, guest accommodations, staff quarters, and outdoor elements such as a pond and playground. These spaces are linked by pathways that encourage exploration and engagement with the landscaped setting.

Materiality plays a critical role in the Blue Clay Spa project. The use of wood introduces a warmth and tactile quality that resonates with the inviting spirit of the space. Glass elements strategically positioned throughout the design allow natural light to permeate interior areas, fostering a connection with the outside world and reinforcing the idea of transparency in the relationship between users and nature. Concrete provides the structural integrity necessary for the interconnected volumes, creating a solid foundation for the spa while maintaining a sense of fluidity. Additionally, ceramic tiles are utilized in wet areas to optimize functionality, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance without compromising aesthetic coherence.

One of the unique design approaches employed in this architectural project is the intentional orientation of spaces to maximize views of the surrounding landscape. Large windows, skylights, and clerestory features add to the project's design vocabulary, emphasizing openness and light. This deliberate integration of natural light not only enhances the sensory experience within the spa but also underscores the therapeutic benefits of interacting with a well-designed environment.

The design also thoughtfully addresses the need for social interaction among visitors. By incorporating shared lounging and outdoor dining areas, the Blue Clay Spa fosters a sense of community—an essential aspect of the wellness experience. The inclusion of recreational spaces such as playgrounds ensures that the project is welcoming to families, promoting inclusivity within the overall design.

In conclusion, the Blue Clay Spa project exemplifies a modest yet impactful approach to architecture that prioritizes well-being and community. The unique blend of organic forms, material choices, and spatial organization creates a design that resonates with the principles of relaxation, health, and environmental harmony. For readers interested in exploring the intricacies of this architectural endeavor, a review of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide deeper insights into the thoughtful considerations that shaped this remarkable project.
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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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