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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.
The Blue Clay Country Spa is an architectural project designed to create a harmonious relationship between wellness and nature. The project spans multiple functional areas, including a spa, guest and staff residences, a kids' play area, a sculpture garden, a vegetable garden, and a poultry farm. This carefully organized layout provides a comprehensive environment dedicated to relaxation, sustainability, and community engagement.

Sustainable materials dominate the design, featuring rammed earth, wood, stone, and glass. Rammed earth is utilized for its thermal mass properties, contributing to both energy efficiency and acoustic comfort. Wood elements enhance the warmth of the interiors, establishing a connection to the natural landscape, while stone pathways provide durability throughout the outdoor areas. Extensive glass panels offer transparency and natural light, ensuring a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor experiences.

The distinct zoning of the project serves to balance public and private spaces effectively. The spa area comprises treatment rooms and communal wellness spaces, promoting a holistic experience for guests. The guest residence is strategically positioned to provide optimal views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the visitor experience. In contrast, staff residences are designed for efficiency, fostering a sense of community among personnel.

The integration of unique design approaches differentiates the Blue Clay Country Spa from other hospitality facilities. Passive design strategies play a vital role, incorporating natural ventilation techniques that rely on local climatic conditions, which reduces the reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. A ground source heat pump system is also integrated to further improve energy efficiency. These elements demonstrate an intentional focus on environmental sustainability.

The outdoor amenities contribute significantly to the overall design ethos of the project. The vegetable garden serves as a source of organic produce while promoting educational opportunities surrounding sustainable agricultural practices. The kids' play area is designed for interaction and engagement, providing a secure environment for families. Additionally, the sculpture garden integrates art into the landscape, encouraging visitors to explore the intersection of nature and creative expression.

In summary, the Blue Clay Country Spa merges architecture with natural elements, emphasizing sustainability and community throughout its design. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for more details, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, to gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas behind this project.
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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