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Upcycled Wood Cabins With Blue Clay Wellness Spaces

Authors:
David Tapias, Carlos Gonzalvo, Ricard Pau
Upcycled Wood Cabins With Blue Clay Wellness Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with upcycled wood and blue clay, the design creates a series of movable cabins that adapt to the seasonal landscape, serving as a wellness-focused retreat that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using blue clay for its aesthetic and thermal properties.
02
Guest cabins are movable, allowing flexibility in seasonal arrangements.
03
Emphasizes community involvement in the building and maintenance processes.
04
Utilizes upcycled wood from local dead trees in multiple structures.
05
Incorporates a sauna connected to a natural water source for enhanced wellness.

The design is situated in a remote area, focused on creating a spa that connects with nature. The concept emphasizes sustainability, ecological awareness, and community involvement. It aims to provide a unique experience that changes with the seasons, allowing guests to interact meaningfully with the landscape. By considering the local environment, the design promotes flexibility and adaptability throughout the year.

Seasonal Adaptability

The design embraces the concept of seasons, arranging spaces to respond to different weather conditions. In summer, guest cabins are located within the forest to enhance the connection to nature, offering a peaceful retreat. During winter, the cabins are positioned closer to the main barns, ensuring warmth and protection from the cold. This careful placement reflects a responsive approach to the local climate and the needs of visitors.

Community Engagement

A key aspect of the design is encouraging participation from both guests and staff in the building and maintenance of the spa. This active involvement mirrors the cooperative practices found in traditional Latvian farming, where community effort is vital. Shared kitchens and dining areas foster social interactions, creating a sense of belonging among visitors. This communal environment reinforces the idea that the space is more than just a place to relax; it becomes a shared experience.

Ecological Considerations

Sustainability is a priority, with a focus on using materials that are sourced locally. Energy, food, and other resources come from the surrounding area, reducing environmental impact while enriching the guest experience. The design incorporates blue clay for the spa and kitchen walls, providing both aesthetic and practical benefits. Sheep wool serves as insulation for the cabins, enhancing comfort. Additionally, wood from old, dead trees is repurposed for various structures, demonstrating a commitment to responsible design practices.

Architectural Features

The layout includes several structures that support wellness and social interaction. A kitchen and staff barn are designed for communal meals, allowing guests to enjoy food that emphasizes local ingredients. Movable guest cabins provide flexibility, adapting to seasonal changes and encouraging connection with the environment. Facilities like saunas linked to natural water sources further enhance the focus on wellness, creating a holistic experience for visitors.

Surrounded by nature, the design offers a calming atmosphere. The thoughtful use of natural materials combined with the landscape fosters a peaceful retreat, inviting visitors to engage with both the space and the environment.

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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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