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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

Project in-detail

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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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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MICROHOME
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