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Terracotta-Clad Wellness Retreat Embracing Nature with Hydrotherapy Features

Authors:
Alessandro Carlodalatri, Francesco Cavaterra
Terracotta-Clad Wellness Retreat Embracing Nature with Hydrotherapy Features

Project in-detail

Nestled within a tranquil landscape, the innovative use of terracotta cladding and hydrotherapy features creates a harmonious wellness retreat that promotes relaxation and a deep connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The spa incorporates a serene pond as a central feature, enhancing the sense of tranquility and reflection.
02
Terracotta cladding not only offers aesthetic appeal but also provides thermal efficiency, blending beauty with functionality.
03
Hydrotherapy pools are strategically positioned to maximize views of the surrounding landscape, fostering an immersive nature experience.
04
The design includes native plant landscaping, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance within the site.
05
Large expanses of glass are utilized to create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting natural light throughout.
The Blue Clay Country Spa is a thoughtfully crafted architectural project that embodies a harmonious blend of wellness, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature. Situated in a picturesque countryside location, this spa represents a modern approach to therapeutic spaces, prioritizing the health and well-being of its visitors while respecting the environment. The design concept, titled “In the Earth, On the Water,” emphasizes the importance of integrating with the natural landscape, allowing for an immersive user experience within a serene environment.

Functionally, the Blue Clay Country Spa is dedicated to providing a holistic wellness retreat, where visitors can unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature. The layout has been meticulously planned to facilitate various therapeutic and leisure activities. These areas include spacious therapy rooms, soothing saunas, inviting therapy pools, and relaxing communal spaces. Each component of the design is strategically positioned to maximize visitor engagement with the surrounding landscape, offering a unique sense of tranquility.

One of the project's most important aspects is its innovative use of materials. The architects have prioritized sustainability, selecting natural and locally sourced materials that resonate with the project's ethos. The predominant use of blue-colored terracotta tiles reflects not only aesthetic values but also contributes to thermal efficiency, ensuring a comfortable environment throughout the changing seasons. Wood is utilized across various elements of the spa, from structural framing to interior finishes, providing warmth and a tactile quality that enhances the user experience. Concrete serves as a strong foundation, while extensive glass facades create a seamless connection between indoor spaces and the outdoor scenery, inviting natural light and panoramic views into the structure.

The architectural design also considers the flow and arrangement of spaces, allowing for an intuitive and engaging walking path that guides visitors through the spa’s offerings. Central to this organization is a serene pond that serves as the heart of the wellness experience, with communal spaces surrounding it to promote social interactions and relaxation. Outdoor therapy areas positioned along the water's edge invite users to engage in mindfulness practices, integrating the calming presence of water into their relaxation sessions.

Furthermore, the design embraces eco-friendly technology. Incorporating photovoltaic systems enables the spa to harness solar energy, significantly reducing its reliance on external power grids. Rainwater harvesting systems are also integrated into the design, emphasizing the importance of water conservation in enhancing overall sustainability. The inclusion of vegetable and fruit gardens furthers the project's commitment to environmental stewardship, promoting biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems.

The Blue Clay Country Spa distinguishes itself through its unique design approach, which prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. This architectural project is not merely a spa; it is a carefully considered retreat that offers a transformative experience grounded in nature. The thoughtful integration of eco-friendly approaches, sustainable materials, and a layout that fosters community and relaxation underscores its relevance in contemporary architecture.

The project serves as an invitation to explore deeper insights into wellness-focused design. For those interested in learning more, it is encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the innovative ideas and considerations that shaped this remarkable project. Examining these elements will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the Blue Clay Country Spa successfully merges architecture with the principles of wellbeing and environmental consciousness.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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