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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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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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