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Rammed Earth Walls and Biophilic Design Enhance Wellness Experience in a Natural Spa Retreat

Authors:
Thilini Warnakulasuriya, Manuella Borges, Andreas Root
Rammed Earth Walls and Biophilic Design Enhance Wellness Experience in a Natural Spa Retreat

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and expansive glazing create a harmonious interplay of natural materials and light in a wellness retreat designed to foster tranquility and connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide exceptional thermal mass, moderating indoor temperatures.
02
Extensive glazing enhances natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Biophilic design elements promote a strong connection with nature throughout the space.
04
Zen courtyards serve as meditation areas, encouraging mindfulness and relaxation.
05
Sustainable features include rainwater harvesting systems and solar energy integration.

**Overview**

Located in Latvia, the Blue Clay Spa exemplifies an approach to architecture that prioritizes integration with the natural environment while delivering wellness facilities. The design focuses on creating an immersive experience that fosters a connection with the surrounding landscape through thoughtful spatial organization and material selection. The intent is to promote relaxation and tranquility by enhancing interactions with nature, allowing visitors to engage with their surroundings uniquely and meaningfully.

**Spatial Configuration and User Experience**

The layout of the Blue Clay Spa is carefully orchestrated into interconnected zones that enhance the overall experience. Wellness areas, including treatment rooms and relaxation lounges, are designed to foster tranquility, while social hubs such as an open kitchen and dining area encourage communal interaction. Zen courtyards, strategically positioned throughout the property, provide secluded spaces for reflection, surrounded by elements of nature. This configuration supports fluid circulation and promotes an organic flow between different environments, enabling guests to navigate seamlessly throughout the spa.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

Sustainability is a core principle of the project, reflected in the choice of materials and construction methods. Rammed earth serves as a primary material, offering thermal mass and natural insulation. Wood provides aesthetic warmth, while extensive glazing ensures ample natural light and visual connectivity with the outdoors. Lightweight concrete contributes durability without compromising the ecological footprint. Climate-responsive strategies are implemented, including the use of thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures, solar panels for energy self-sufficiency, and systems for rainwater harvesting, emphasizing a commitment to environmentally sensitive design and low-impact living.

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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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