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Rainwater Harvesting Structure Crafted from Clay and Lathone Wood Enhancing Wellness Experience

Authors:
Claudio Chiarini, Ludovic Beau, Julien Dubois, Kevin Fuks
Rainwater Harvesting Structure Crafted from Clay and Lathone Wood Enhancing Wellness Experience
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Constructed with earth-based clay and Lathone wood, this wellness retreat prioritizes natural light and ecological sustainability while offering a serene escape for relaxation and rejuvenation by the pond.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with clay, enhancing thermal performance and aesthetic integration.
02
Utilizes Lathone wood for interior comfort and natural warmth.
03
Features a glass roof that optimizes natural light and facilitates rainwater harvesting.
04
Strategically positioned along a pond to foster a connection with nature.
05
Offers tailored wellness spaces designed for both communal and private relaxation.

### Project Overview

The Blue Clay Country Spa is situated adjacent to a pond, accommodating up to 10 guests. The design prioritizes a connection with the natural landscape, utilizing clay-based materials alongside strategically placed glass elements to create an immersive environment. Emphasizing contemporary architectural principles, the project aims to achieve sustainability, comfort, and a harmonious relationship with its surroundings.

### Spatial Strategy

The spa's layout features a spacious central hall, which serves as the main gathering space. This area is illuminated by natural light through an expansive glass roof, promoting both social interaction and individual relaxation while providing views of the adjacent landscape. Guest accommodations are constructed from Lathone wood, chosen for its thermal properties and visual warmth, ensuring a restful atmosphere. Additionally, service and technical areas are separate from the main hall, maintaining operational efficiency while aligning with the overall aesthetic. Relaxation zones are intentionally located to maximize views of the pond, enhancing the tranquil experience for guests.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The construction of the Blue Clay Country Spa utilizes clay for the exterior, enhancing its environmental adaptability, while extensive glass integration facilitates natural light and visual connectivity with the outdoors. Lathone wood is employed in the interior spaces to promote a warm ambiance. Notably, the roof design incorporates a rainwater harvesting system, addressing sustainability concerns and reinforcing the project’s commitment to minimizing resource consumption. The careful selection of locally sourced materials aligns with ecological goals and promotes a responsible approach to construction within the natural environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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