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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete 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). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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