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Thermal Baths Crafted from Blue Clay and Timber in a Community Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Valentino Danilo Matteis, Consuelo Camerota, Teresa Pagano, Ubaldo Soligno
Thermal Baths Crafted from Blue Clay and Timber in a Community Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced blue clay and timber, the wellness retreat integrates therapeutic gardens and thermal baths to promote holistic health and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced blue clay with therapeutic properties.
02
Features unique barefoot paths designed to enhance sensory experiences.
03
Employs passive heating techniques for energy-efficient climate control.
04
Incorporates community farming initiatives for guest participation.
05
Utilizes sustainable rainwater collection systems for irrigation and sanitation.

The Blue Clay Country Spa is an architectural project designed as a wellness village, strategically located in a rural setting to leverage local resources and natural landscapes. The design emphasizes a holistic approach to health and well-being, creating a tranquil environment that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. The project integrates various facilities that cater to both the physical and mental wellness of its visitors, establishing a retreat that encourages longer stays and deeper engagement with nature.

The core function of the Blue Clay Country Spa is to offer a comprehensive wellness experience. The design features distinct zones that include accommodations, therapeutic gardens, and spa facilities dedicated to health treatments. Access paths connect these areas, promoting movement through the landscape and fostering interaction between guests and their surroundings. The architectural arrangement supports both privacy and community engagement, enabling visitors to enjoy solitary reflection as well as shared experiences.

A significant aspect of the project's design is its use of local materials, particularly blue clay, which plays an integral role both functionally and aesthetically. Blue clay is employed not only for its therapeutic benefits but also as a symbol of local culture. The choice of timber for structural elements enhances the connection to the environment and provides warmth to the interiors. Transparent glass features offer panoramic views and allow natural light to permeate the spaces, establishing a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor areas.

Distinctive Design Approaches

The Blue Clay Country Spa distinguishes itself through its biophilic design approach, which seeks to connect occupants with nature. The design incorporates large windows, green walls, and open spaces that enhance natural light, creating an uplifting environment conducive to wellness. Additionally, the use of barefoot paths offers visitors a unique tactile experience, encouraging them to reconnect with the earth beneath their feet. These elements not only promote physical well-being but also contribute to psychological tranquility.

Community engagement is another critical component of the project. Agricultural initiatives invite guests to participate in farming activities, fostering a sense of connection with local practices. This interactive aspect is a deliberate choice, integrating the spa experience with the natural rhythms of the surrounding area. By encouraging guests to engage with the cultivation of their food, the design fosters a deeper understanding of sustainability and a holistic lifestyle.

Therapeutic Areas and Landscaping

The architectural layout prioritizes wellness through the strategic arrangement of therapeutic areas and landscaping. Wellness facilities include treatment rooms, saunas, and outdoor warm pools, all designed within naturalistic settings to enhance relaxation. The gardens serve not only as aesthetic additions but also as active elements within the wellness program, designed to be therapeutic in nature and accessible to all visitors.

The use of sustainable systems is fundamental to the operation of the spa. Rainwater collection systems are integrated into the design for irrigation and sanitation, while photovoltaic panels provide renewable energy to power the facilities. This focus on sustainability underlines the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Blue Clay Country Spa serves as a model for modern wellness architecture, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, community, and a connection to nature. For more detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shaped this project, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive view.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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