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Rammed Earth Structures with Natural Ventilation for a Sustainable Spa Retreat

Authors:
meenakshi sharma, milind khade
Rammed Earth Structures with Natural Ventilation for a Sustainable Spa Retreat

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and extensive glass panels create a sustainable spa retreat that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while promoting wellness through thoughtful design and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass and sound insulation, enhancing comfort and sustainability.
02
Extensive glass panels maximize natural light and connect interior spaces to the surrounding landscape.
03
The design incorporates natural ventilation strategies, reducing reliance on mechanical systems for climate control.
04
An integrated vegetable garden serves both as a source of organic food and an educational resource for guests.
05
The sculpture garden features locally sourced artworks that reflect the cultural context of the region.

### Project Overview
Blue Clay Country Spa is situated in a serene landscape that emphasizes the integration of the natural environment with the design of wellness and hospitality facilities. The conceptual framework is informed by the five elements of nature—water, air, fire, earth, and ether—aiming to create a space that promotes well-being while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic consideration.

### Concept and Spatial Organization
The spatial arrangement consists of several distinct yet interconnected zones: the Spa, Guest Residence, Staff Residence, Kids Play Area, Sculpture Garden, Vegetable Garden, and Poultry Farm. This zoning strategy facilitates a clear delineation between public and private areas while encouraging community engagement.

The Spa area focuses on wellness, featuring treatment rooms and communal spaces dedicated to relaxation. The Guest Residence prioritizes comfort and scenic views, while the Staff Residence provides practical accommodations for on-site personnel to enhance operational efficiency. Outdoor areas are designed to integrate functionality with sustainability, offering spaces for recreation and education through the Vegetable and Sculpture Gardens.

### Materiality and Design Outcomes
The selection of materials underscores the project's sustainable ethos. Rammed earth is used for its thermal properties and natural insulation, while wood serves as a warm connection to nearby forested areas. Stone is incorporated into pathways and landscaping for durability, and extensive glass elements enhance natural light and provide visual connections to the outdoors.

The overall design reflects contemporary architectural principles, marked by geometric simplicity that minimizes disruption to the landscape. Large glass panels promote transparency, and the interconnected outdoor areas serve as multi-functional green spaces conducive to mindfulness and recreation. The Kids Play Area fosters family interaction in a secure environment, while the Vegetable Gardens provide educational opportunities centered on sustainable living practices.

### Environmental Considerations
The architectural strategies employed at Blue Clay Country Spa are informed by a thorough analysis of local climatic conditions, including average temperature, humidity, sunshine hours, and rainfall. These factors guide the design decisions regarding material selection, window positioning, and the design of outdoor spaces, enhancing guest comfort while minimizing environmental impact. The project's commitment to natural ventilation and the integration of a ground source heat pump exemplify its eco-centric approach, setting a standard for future developments in sustainable architecture.

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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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