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Metal Facade and Warm Concrete in a Wellness Retreat Surrounded by Nature

Author:
Daria Morzhova
Metal Facade and Warm Concrete in a Wellness Retreat Surrounded by Nature

Project in-detail

Combining a metal facade with warm concrete and expansive glass elements, the design creates a tranquil wellness retreat that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a metal facade that reflects the surrounding landscape to enhance integration with nature.
02
Incorporates warm concrete for thermal mass, improving energy efficiency and user comfort.
03
Features an open layout that strategically connects indoor spaces with outdoor views.
04
Employs large glass panels to maximize natural light and create visual continuity.
05
Includes a central pool area designed to serve as the focal point of the wellness experience.

### Project Overview

The new multifaceted facility is situated within a carefully selected landscape, designed to function as a spa that offers a variety of recreational amenities. The intent is to create a space that emphasizes the synthesis of nature, relaxation, and community interaction, achieved through a meticulously crafted architectural design.

### Spatial Configuration and Functional Diversity

The facility's layout features distinct zones dedicated to relaxation, wellness treatments, dining, and leisure activities, ensuring fluid transitions between functions. A central pool area serves as a focal element, around which other spaces are organized, facilitating an inviting and exploratory environment. The design acknowledges diverse user needs, integrating wellness services such as massage rooms and saunas alongside communal areas like dining and social spaces. This layout promotes an enhanced user experience by prioritizing connections between various activities.

### Material and Aesthetic Considerations

The architectural design utilizes a thoughtful selection of materials that complement the natural surroundings. Warm concrete is extensively employed in the interior, providing a calming atmosphere with low maintenance requirements. The exterior is clad in reflective metal panels that engage with natural light while establishing a rugged connection to the landscape. Large glass windows are incorporated throughout, inviting panoramic views of the environment and promoting an inherent connection to the outdoors. The color palette consists of soft, muted tones that echo the landscape, while gradients are used to reflect changing light conditions throughout the day, enriching the spatial experience.

### Sustainability and Regional Context

The project prioritizes sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials and design strategies that minimize ecological impact. The layout is strategically oriented to optimize views while reducing exposure to adverse weather, promoting both comfort and aesthetic value. By drawing inspiration from local architectural practices and the surrounding environment, the design not only enhances the visitor experience but also embeds the facility within its regional context, reinforcing its identity as a wellness retreat.

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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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