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Natural Stone and Blue Clay Harmonized in a Wellness Retreat Design

Author:
Ugriumova Ekaterina
Natural Stone and Blue Clay Harmonized in a Wellness Retreat Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating blue clay and natural stone into its design, the wellness retreat fosters a deep connection with the surrounding landscape while providing spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced blue clay prominently in the exterior walls.
02
Utilizes extensive green roofs to enhance ecological sustainability.
03
Features large glass panels that maximize views of the natural landscape.
04
Integrates wellness therapies into the layout for ease of access.
05
Employs a courtyard design to encourage social interaction among guests.

### Overview

The Blue Clay Country Spa Hotel is situated in Latvia, designed to reflect the cultural context and natural beauty of the region. The architectural intent centers on integrating traditional Latvian farmhouse aesthetics with a contemporary approach, fostering a sense of well-being through connection with the surrounding landscape. The project emphasizes sustainability and local materiality, creating an environment that resonates with both heritage and modern sensibilities.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is organized around a central courtyard, promoting a coherent interaction among the interconnected buildings while embracing the lush landscape. Public areas such as lounges and dining spaces are characterized by expansive glazing, offering panoramic views and enhancing social engagement. In contrast, guest rooms are thoughtfully positioned to ensure privacy while allowing occupants to enjoy serene outdoor vistas through large windows. The design features diverse spaces that accommodate both communal activities and individual retreat, enabling a flexible user experience.

### Material Selection

A distinctive aspect of the project is its deliberate choice of materials that reflect local significance. Blue clay bricks, employed for their thermal properties, establish a direct connection to the region’s geology. Extensive use of timber in framing highlights traditional craftsmanship, while clay roof tiles contribute to the overall aesthetic and environmental efficiency. Natural stone appears throughout the design, enhancing durability and anchoring the structures within their context. Large glass panels facilitate abundant natural light, reinforcing the relationship between indoor spaces and the natural surroundings.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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