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Thatching and Blue Clay Enhance a Sustainable Wellness Retreat Amidst Serene Landscapes

Authors:
Anna Viken, Mariya Banga, Max Leonov
Thatching and Blue Clay Enhance a Sustainable Wellness Retreat Amidst Serene Landscapes

Project in-detail

Utilizing traditional thatching and locally sourced blue clay, the design creates a serene wellness retreat that immerses visitors in nature while promoting health and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates locally sourced blue clay, enhancing both thermal performance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Thatching is utilized for roofing, creating a seamless blend with the surrounding environment.
03
Refurbished wood is featured prominently, promoting sustainability and historical relevance.
04
Spacious communal areas are intentionally placed to foster social interaction among guests.
05
Outdoor terraces are carefully designed to facilitate direct engagement with the natural landscape.
The Blue Clay Country Spa represents a thoughtful endeavor in architecture that seamlessly integrates functionality with an appreciation for nature. This project operates as a refuge for wellness and relaxation, providing spaces that cater to both individual needs and communal interaction. The design emphasizes sustainability and harmonizes with the landscape, showcasing how architecture can enhance well-being without detracting from its natural surroundings.

At its core, the Blue Clay Country Spa is designed to facilitate a variety of wellness activities while providing accommodation for guests seeking tranquility. The architecture reflects a compact and user-friendly approach, maximizing the use of space to create comfortable and inviting environments. By drawing inspiration from traditional building forms, particularly the “long house” typology, the design establishes a strong sense of place and belonging within the context of its geographical location.

The spatial organization within the spa is carefully curated to offer zones dedicated to distinct activities. This includes a spa block featuring treatment areas, relaxation rooms, and dining spaces designed to capture views of the outdoor landscape. These areas not only promote wellness but also encourage interactions among users. Guest accommodations have been arranged to ensure privacy, offering a form of retreat while still being connected to the broader community facilities. Staff accommodations are thoughtfully situated to ensure efficient operation, further supporting the project’s intent.

One of the defining elements of this architectural project is its choice of materials. The use of thatching for the roofing creates a rustic yet functional aesthetic, allowing the building to blend into its natural setting. Refurbished wood is chosen for its sustainable properties, providing warmth and character to the interiors. The application of blue clay for finishes emphasizes local resources, enhancing the project’s ecological footprint while contributing to its unique sensory experiences. Wood windows strategically placed throughout the structure maximize natural light and offer picturesque views, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Blue Clay Country Spa goes beyond merely providing facilities; it sets out to create an environment that supports well-being and mindfulness. The design encourages users to engage with the surrounding nature, whether through landscaped gardens, recreational areas, or simply the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Each spatial feature has been meticulously planned to facilitate both solitude and social interaction, allowing guests to unwind individually or come together as a community.

Unique design approaches are present throughout the project, particularly in its integration with the landscape. The layout is intentionally conceived to enhance natural light and capture prevailing breezes, contributing to passive ventilation strategies that reduce reliance on artificial systems. This environmentally conscious stance not only supports the spa’s operational efficiency but also promotes a lifestyle that is sensitive to its ecological context. Additionally, the focus on creating social spaces emphasizes a design philosophy that values connectivity among users, reinforcing a sense of community within the retreat.

Architecture, in this case, serves as a medium for promoting health, relaxation, and environmental stewardship. The Blue Clay Country Spa stands as an exemplar of how contemporary design can harmonize with both cultural traditions and ecological concerns, advancing ideas of sustainable living without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.

For those interested in deeper insights into this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas can provide a fuller picture of the thought processes and innovative solutions embedded within the Blue Clay Country Spa. Engaging with the details of this architectural endeavor reveals the complexity and dedication involved in creating a space that prioritizes both individual well-being and collective harmony with the environment.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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