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Therapeutic Retreat Constructed with Blue Clay and Cob in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Cesar Elias Quintero, Leor Yehuda
Therapeutic Retreat Constructed with Blue Clay and Cob in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with local blue clay and cob, the retreat harmoniously integrates therapeutic spaces within the Latvian landscape to promote wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from local blue clay and cob to enhance thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates natural therapeutic elements, such as locally sourced herbs in treatment areas.
03
Design aligns with the surrounding Latvian landscape to promote integration with nature.
04
Communal spaces are designed to facilitate social interaction and community engagement.
05
Utilizes eco-friendly methods and materials to minimize environmental impact.

### Overview

Located in Kurzeme, Latvia, the Blue Clay Oasis integrates wellness, nature, and sustainable living through its architectural design. The intent is to create an environment that promotes therapeutic experiences while emphasizing ecological awareness. This analysis outlines the project's spatial organization, material selection, and its engagement with the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Organization

The layout features distinct yet interconnected functional zones that cater to a variety of user experiences. The reception lobby serves as a central hub, greeting visitors and facilitating access to other areas. Residences and spa facilities are designed as private retreats, harmoniously linked to communal spaces such as gardens and dining areas. Therapeutic spaces, including saunas and therapy rooms, are crafted to foster natural healing processes, utilizing a design that enhances interaction between users and the environment. This fluid organization encourages movement and interaction, promoting a deep connection with nature throughout the facility.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the design, reflected in the selection of eco-friendly materials that support the overarching goals of environmental responsibility. Cob, a natural building material comprised of subsoil, straw, and water, is utilized for interior partitions and furnishings, providing thermal mass for energy efficiency. Blue clay is featured prominently in the spa, enhancing sensory experiences during therapeutic treatments. Local herbs, incorporated into various baths, promote holistic healing through organic resources. Additionally, locally sourced wood is used throughout the project, minimizing the carbon footprint while supporting the local economy. The thoughtful use of these materials not only enhances aesthetic qualities but also aligns closely with the project's sustainability objectives.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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