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Terracotta Cloak Overlooking Tranquil Waters in a Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Alessandro Carlodalatri, Francesco Cavaterra
Terracotta Cloak Overlooking Tranquil Waters in a Wellness Retreat
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Located in a quiet rural setting, the design offers a focused environment for wellness, reflection, and community connection. A careful arrangement of built forms and open spaces encourages interaction with the landscape while supporting a range of therapeutic activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Distinct volumes elevate the structure above the ground.
02
Orientation captures specific views and organizes activities.
03
A central courtyard opens toward a calming pond.
04
Blue terracotta tubes harmonize with the natural setting.
05
Community-oriented spaces include outdoor dining and playground.

Set within a quiet rural setting, Blue Clay Country Spa is designed to support both individual wellness and community engagement. The layout emphasizes strong spatial relationships with the natural environment while providing a range of therapeutic spaces. Its architectural language reflects sensitivity to landscape, material sustainability, and the rhythms of daily retreat life.

Architectural Strategy
The structure is composed of distinct volumes elevated above the ground, minimizing impact on the terrain. These volumes are oriented to capture specific views and organize activities across private and communal zones. A central courtyard opens toward a pond, anchoring the composition and offering a place for rest and contemplation. Outdoor areas—including gardens and gathering spaces—reinforce the integration of wellness and social interaction.

Material Expression and Program
Blue-colored terracotta tubes wrap the façade, creating a textured skin that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Internally, kebony wood surfaces introduce warmth and durability, supporting a low-maintenance and sustainable material palette. The interior program includes a tepidarium, saunas, therapy rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and a private treatment pod. Natural light plays a central role, entering through carefully placed openings to animate surfaces and support a calming atmosphere. Community-oriented elements, such as outdoor dining and a children's playground, extend the retreat's role beyond individual care to include collective experience and interaction.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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