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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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