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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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