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Water Collector With Concrete Beams Emphasizing Natural Light in a Spa Environment

Authors:
Berenice Moran, Piotr Janus
Water Collector With Concrete Beams Emphasizing Natural Light in a Spa Environment

Project in-detail

A system of concrete beams facilitates rainwater collection while creating a harmonious connection with the landscape in a wellness-focused spa environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A system of beams channels rainwater from the roof for efficient collection.
02
Concrete walls create unique cantilevered spaces that frame surrounding views.
03
The spa area is designed with rooms that offer diverse light experiences.
04
Interior elements incorporate local materials for sustainability and adaptability.
05
Living spaces are directly linked to the surrounding landscape through a pond platform.

The Blue Clay Country Spa is located in the Latvian landscape, integrating with nature and focusing on water as a key element. The design aims to enhance wellness while promoting sustainability. The building serves as a collector of water and a visual point of connection to the surrounding environment, creating a unique user experience that complements the natural setting.

Structural System

A distinctive feature of the design is the system of beams that collect rainwater from the roof, channeling it to deposits at ground level. This aspect supports efficient water management and aligns with eco-friendly principles. Concrete walls and beams make up the main structural elements, allowing for cantilevers and open spaces that frame views of the landscape outside.



Spatial Arrangement

Inside, the spaces are arranged to promote cross ventilation and comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. The spa area includes rooms that frame the landscape in different ways, offering various light experiences throughout the day. Some rooms utilize diffuse light, while others make the most of direct sunlight, enhancing the atmosphere and creating a deeper connection with nature.



Integration of Functions

Living areas connect directly to the spa facilities, allowing easy movement between different spaces. This setup encourages visitors to transition smoothly from relaxation activities to leisure. A platform that extends over a pond in the living area creates a strong visual link to water, reinforcing the connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings.



User Experience

The design focuses on creating an intimate experience for users. Each space is crafted to encourage a connection with the outdoors, showcasing the relationship between interior areas and the landscape. Attention to natural light and water features enhances comfort and supports an experience centered on wellness, inviting users to engage fully with both the space and nature.

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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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The Architect's Chair
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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Kinderspace
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