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Textured Concrete and Blue Clay Create a Serene Wellness Retreat Amidst Nature

Authors:
Edgar Alejandro Fernandez Cardenas, Diego Alonso Mata Sanchez, Erick Alejandro Gauna Perez, Edgar Omar Castro Legorreta
Textured Concrete and Blue Clay Create a Serene Wellness Retreat Amidst Nature

Project in-detail

Utilizing textured concrete and locally sourced blue clay, the design integrates harmoniously with the landscape to create a wellness retreat focused on relaxation and rejuvenation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced blue clay, enhancing thermal mass and integration with the site.
02
Incorporates textured concrete facades that promote natural weathering and durability.
03
Features large glass openings that frame views of the surrounding landscape while maximizing natural light.
04
Includes sustainable landscaping with native plants, reducing maintenance and supporting local biodiversity.
05
Design emphasizes a central water feature, providing calming soundscapes and a focal point for relaxation.

### Overview
Located in the Karsnice region of Latvia, the Blue Clay Country Spa is designed as a retreat that aligns with the natural landscape. The project prioritizes sustainability and seeks to establish a meaningful connection with the surrounding environment through the use of local materials and forms that reflect the site’s ecology. The architectural composition focuses on spatial arrangement, material selection, and aesthetic balance, creating an environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation.

### Spatial Configuration and Design
The layout of the spa comprises multiple structures organized around a central water feature, which enhances the themes of reflection and tranquility. Open green spaces, integrated with walking paths, invite visitors to explore the natural landscape. The design incorporates existing trees and natural elements, ensuring a cohesive integration with the environment. Varying building volumes accommodate both communal and private experiences, facilitating diverse interactions with nature. External facades utilize a textured concrete finish, reinforcing the structures' rugged yet refined attributes, while strategically placed openings foster a dialogue between interior spaces and the expansive surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and a connection to the local context. Concrete serves as a primary structural material, providing an earthy presence, while glass is employed to enhance natural light and views. Wood elements introduce warmth and comfort to the interiors. The incorporation of locally sourced earth, specifically blue clay, minimizes the project's carbon footprint and deepens its ties to the locality. The landscaping emphasizes native vegetation to support local wildlife and maintain visual harmony, while pathways are designed to blend seamlessly with the terrain, guiding visitors through the space while preserving the natural landscape flow.

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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

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