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Sustainable Retreat Crafted From Straw Bales With Timber Framing Nestled In A Forest Setting

Author:
Marius Pawliczek
Sustainable Retreat Crafted From Straw Bales With Timber Framing Nestled In A Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced straw bales and timber framing, this retreat seamlessly integrates with its forest surroundings while providing a calm space for wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using straw bales for superior insulation and minimal environmental impact.
02
Timber framing sourced entirely from local forests, supporting regional sustainability.
03
Features large, strategically positioned windows to enhance natural light and outdoor views.
04
Incorporates passive design strategies for energy efficiency and climate adaptability.
05
Modular construction allows for flexible spatial arrangements and efficient assembly on-site.

### Overview

The Blue Clay Country Spa is situated within the Latvian forest, where its design seeks to harmonize architecture with the surrounding natural environment. The intent of the project is to create a sustainable retreat that not only draws inspiration from traditional Latvian living but also integrates contemporary architectural practices. By focusing on environmental awareness and promoting self-sufficiency, the design aims to serve as a model for future rural tourism ventures.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Clarity

The layout comprises five distinct programmatic volumes: a guest house, spa, staff quarters, garage, and stables. This modular arrangement fosters interaction among different areas while ensuring clear functional delineation. The design incorporates passive elements such as strategic openings and overhangs, which contribute to natural temperature regulation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Each space is purposefully designed to enhance user experience, highlighting both communal and private areas to cater to a variety of needs.

### Material Selection and Construction Techniques

Materials have been chosen for their sustainability, aesthetic qualities, and compatibility with traditional construction methods. Straw bales serve as the primary insulation material, providing energy efficiency while reflecting historical building practices. Locally sourced wood is utilized for structural support and to create a warm, welcoming ambiance. The architecture features a hipped roof design, characteristic of Latvian vernacular, ensuring both visual appeal and stability. Minimal use of reinforced concrete for foundations minimizes environmental impact, while glass elements are incorporated to establish a strong connection with the outdoors, facilitating natural light infiltration.

In terms of construction methodology, pre-assembled components streamline the building process, enabling efficient assembly on-site. Integrated water management systems further enhance the sustainability of the spa, utilizing rainwater collection and natural filtration for self-sufficiency. The entire project demonstrates a commitment to ecological integrity through thoughtful design and material utilization.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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
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