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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

Project in-detail

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 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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