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Rammed Clay Walls and Therapeutic Lavender in a Serene Wellness Facility

Authors:
Johnny Jeong Yeob Kim, Chiara Schmid
Rammed Clay Walls and Therapeutic Lavender in a Serene Wellness Facility
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Rammed clay walls encapsulate a serene wellness facility that integrates therapeutic lavender and meditation spaces, promoting self-reflection and holistic healing amidst the natural landscape of Portugal.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed clay walls incorporate natural insulation properties, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
The inner courtyard serves as a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.
03
Lavender plants are integrated throughout the facility for their therapeutic benefits.
04
Treatment cabins are specifically designed to facilitate various holistic practices.
05
The layout mimics the corolla of lavender, symbolizing connection and flow.

The Lavandula Angustifolia design is located in Portugal, where the climate supports the growth of lavender. Functioning as a wellness facility, the design emphasizes the calming effects of this plant. It aims to create a space for personal reflection and healing. The overall concept combines elements of nature and spirituality, making it a place to reconnect with oneself and the environment.

Design Concept and Layout

The concept is built around the therapeutic qualities of lavender, which shape the arrangement of spaces within the facility. At the heart of the design is an inner courtyard, serving as a calm area for meditation and contemplation. Visitors first enter a welcoming space intended to relieve the pressures of the outside world. This initial design choice helps users transition smoothly into a more peaceful atmosphere.



Treatment and Meditation Spaces

From the inner courtyard, individual treatment cabins are organized for focused therapeutic practices. A dedicated meditation cabin offers a place for self-reflection, emphasizing relaxation through various techniques. Additionally, two larger rooms support group yoga sessions and nature-oriented meditation, both of which provide views of the Vale de Moses, enhancing the connection to the natural landscape.



Materiality and Connection to Nature

Rammed clay is chosen for the walls, introducing a unique texture that aligns with the natural surroundings. This material reinforces the relationship between the building and its environment while creating a visually cohesive feel. The wall patterns reflect local geological shapes, reinforcing the connection to the site.



Integration of Lavender

Lavender plants are integrated throughout the facility, allowing their calming presence to influence the interior atmosphere. This design choice extends the therapeutic qualities of the plant beyond its visual appeal. The layout mimics the shape of a lavender flower, promoting a sense of flow and unity between the built space and the natural world.

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Celebrating Visionary Design: The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026

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The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026 celebrates visionary unbuilt architectural projects that explore creativity and innovation. Open to architects, designers, and students worldwide, the competition welcomes submissions in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²).

With a total prize fund of €100,000, each category winner receives €20,000, alongside student prizes of €5,000 and a €10,000 Best Presentation Award. Winners will also be featured internationally and presented with the Continuum Trophy designed by Germans Ermičs.

Registration runs from 31 October 2025 to 23 September 2026, with submissions due by 20 October 2026 and results announced on 1 December 2026. More information is available at architecturecompetitions.com 

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026

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