Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Therapeutic Retreat Featuring Local Blue Clay and Shell Structure

Authors:
Wenjia Li, Yinan Sun, Zhiyuan Liu
Therapeutic Retreat Featuring Local Blue Clay and Shell Structure

Project in-detail

Constructed with a shell structure and enhanced by locally-sourced blue clay, the retreat integrates therapeutic spaces within the natural landscape of Kurzeme, offering a tranquil spa and guesthouse experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a unique shell structure that enhances natural light and spatial flow.
02
Incorporates locally-sourced blue clay in spa treatments, connecting guests to the environment.
03
Design includes separate buildings for service and accommodation, promoting privacy.
04
Large windows frame scenic views, integrating the interior with the surrounding landscape.
05
Focuses on wellness with therapeutic areas designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The BLUE CLAY COUNTRY SPA is located in the rural area of Kurzeme in Western Latvia, designed to provide a peaceful retreat that connects with the natural landscape. It serves as a spa and guesthouse, focusing on wellness while integrating the beauty of forests and grasslands. The overall design concept emphasizes simplicity, using a structure that reflects both functionality and the surrounding environment.

Shell Structure

The shell structure plays a crucial role in the design, offering support while also enhancing the visual connection to nature. This form encourages a fluid transition from inside to outside. Large windows and openings allow natural light to fill the spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere. Guests are treated to views of the lush surroundings, making them feel at one with nature.

Spatial Organization

The layout is carefully arranged with two separate buildings. The smaller structure acts as the service house, conveniently located near the entrance. The larger building is designated for the spa and guest accommodations. This arrangement promotes a sense of privacy while also facilitating interaction with the natural elements. Clear pathways guide visitors through the spaces, enhancing their experience within the retreat.

Material Choice

Concrete is primarily used in the construction, chosen for its strength and durability. This ensures the buildings will withstand time and weather. Smooth lime-gypasum plaster is applied on interior walls, providing a clean and modern finish. Oak block parquet flooring adds warmth to the rooms, making the indoors feel more inviting. Reinforced concrete secures key structural components, offering stability and reassurance.

Therapeutic Spaces

The design emphasizes wellness with several therapeutic areas, including saunas, relaxation rooms, and therapy spaces. These areas are intended to leverage the calming qualities of the environment. Incorporating locally-sourced blue clay into treatments strengthens the connection guests have with the region. With large windows framing the landscape, the treatment rooms are filled with natural light, creating a peaceful setting for relaxation and restoration.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy