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Radiant Heating and Composting Toilets in a Sustainable Spa Retreat

Author:
James Martin
Radiant Heating and Composting Toilets in a Sustainable Spa Retreat

Project in-detail

Equipped with radiant heating and composting toilets, the sustainable retreat seamlessly integrates cantilevered social spaces and private accommodations with the natural landscape, offering a unique setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Radiant floor heating ensures comfort throughout all seasons.
02
Retractable glass walls enhance the connection to nature.
03
A nearby garden provides seasonal vegetables and herbs for the kitchen.
04
Composting toilets promote sustainable waste management.
05
Cantilevered social spaces offer unique communal areas overlooking the pond.

The Modern Retreat at Blue Clay Country Spa features four distinct buildings designed to provide a space for relaxation and connection with nature. Located in a peaceful rural setting, the retreat’s thoughtful layout enhances both individual and communal experiences. The design focuses on creating environments where guests can unwind and engage with each other.

Spatial Arrangement
At the heart of the retreat is an enlarged pond that acts as a central feature, allowing for cantilevered social areas linked to each guest accommodation. This configuration fosters visual interactions, making it easy for visitors to choose between solitude or shared moments. The arrangement of buildings enhances the tranquil ambiance, offering easy access to various facilities without compromising privacy.

Spa Design
The spa reflects a simple and modern approach, emphasizing a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. A welcoming entry leads into areas that invite relaxation. One notable aspect is the use of retractable glass walls, which connect the interior to the outside, enriching the user experience by allowing natural light and views of the surrounding environment.

Dining Experience
The dining and kitchen spaces are designed to promote community. They invite guests to engage in food preparation, transforming meals into shared experiences. Nearby, a garden provides fresh vegetables and herbs, further linking the culinary experience to the natural surroundings. This focus on local produce reflects a commitment to sustainability and enhances the overall dining atmosphere.

Accommodations
The retreat offers two private bedrooms that emphasize comfort and simplicity. Each room features a shared outdoor space that allows for enjoyment of the peaceful views, reinforcing the connection to the landscape. This thoughtful design supports a flow of indoor comfort and outdoor beauty, creating a calm retreat for guests.

Above the main building, solar panels are integrated into the roof’s design, providing renewable energy while demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. The blend of function and nature characterizes the spirit of the 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
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