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Rhythmic Surroundings with Ash-White Wood and White-Painted Metal in a Wellness Retreat

Author:
Kjhkk Jhgkjh
Rhythmic Surroundings with Ash-White Wood and White-Painted Metal in a Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Built with ash-white wood and white-painted metal, the retreat harmonizes with its natural surroundings while offering a focused environment for wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rhythmic sounds welcome visitors upon arrival, enhancing the transition into the spa environment.
02
Structures are inspired by traditional Latvian architecture, blending modern and regional styles.
03
Ash-white wood and white-painted metal are uniquely chosen for their aesthetic and environmental qualities.
04
Thermal efficiency is achieved through an over-insulated wooden core within each building.
05
The layout facilitates both communal interaction and private retreat, catering to diverse wellness needs.

The project establishes a strong connection between open areas and sheltered spaces, situated in a landscape that highlights the relationship with nature. It serves as a wellness retreat, allowing visitors to experience both community and solitude while immersing themselves in the environment. The design focuses on creating spaces that promote relaxation, inviting users to reconnect with themselves and the natural world around them.

Concept and Layout

The arrangement begins with a welcoming entrance marked by soothing sounds that help visitors transition into the spa environment. At the center lies an orientation area connecting various elements, encouraging interaction among users. This central space enhances accessibility, promoting an engaging experience through a well-organized site plan that prioritizes the needs of those who visit.

Structural Elements

Key structures include the spa and the greenhouse, which act as prominent features in the landscape, encouraging exploration. Outside, amenities like jacuzzis and open-air areas cater to relaxation and wellness, allowing guests to enjoy various experiences. The thoughtful inclusion of these facilities supports personal rejuvenation and aligns with the retreat's focus on wellness.

Materiality and Cultural Influence

The design draws inspiration from the region's traditional architecture, with each house reflecting elements of a Latvian-style home. Ash-white wood and white-painted metal are the primary materials used, promoting harmony with the landscape. This choice respects local building practices while embracing a modern approach that resonates with the environment.

Sustainability and Thermal Efficiency

Sustainability is a central theme in the design, particularly regarding thermal performance. Each building is conceived as a greenhouse, featuring an insulated wooden core that works to regulate the indoor climate effectively. This design decision enhances energy efficiency and aligns with the retreat's goals for sustainability, creating a comfortable environment for users.

The thoughtful balance of transparency and opacity in the design leads to a layered experience that guides visitors through distinct spaces. This careful arrangement fosters connections to nature, while also providing areas suited for peace and relaxation, highlighting a commitment to enriching the experience within a well-considered landscape.

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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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