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Wellness Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Shingles in a Biophilic Landscape

Authors:
Alejandra Novelo Lugo, Luis Montoya
Wellness Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Shingles in a Biophilic Landscape

Project in-detail

This wellness retreat harmoniously integrates cross-laminated timber and charred wood shingles with therapeutic water features and circular garden designs, creating a serene environment that fosters relaxation and a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates a rainwater harvesting system that channels runoff into landscaped features, enhancing sustainability.
02
Circular garden layouts are strategically placed throughout the site to promote natural airflow and light penetration.
03
Charred wood shingles are used not only for aesthetic appeal but also for their natural resistance to weathering and pests.
04
Therapeutic water flows are integrated into the landscape, creating calming soundscapes that enhance the overall wellness experience.
05
The bent A-frame structure minimizes the ecological footprint while maximizing interior space and natural light.
The project under analysis represents a thoughtful exploration of wellness through architecture, designed with the intention of creating a serene environment that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. Located in a natural setting, the design emphasizes harmony with its surroundings, using organic forms and sustainable materials to create spaces conducive to healing and well-being. The core function of this architectural endeavor is to provide a multifaceted wellness hub, complete with facilities for accommodation, spa treatments, and communal dining, facilitating interaction and engagement among visitors.

The architectural layout is methodically planned, incorporating a range of functional areas that flow seamlessly into one another. The guest house serves as a tranquil retreat for individuals seeking respite from daily life, while the spa facilities are equipped with dedicated treatment rooms and relaxation areas. The design encourages visitors to enjoy both indoor and outdoor dining experiences, inviting them to connect with the landscape around them. Staff facilities are also integrated within the site, ensuring that those providing care and services are well accommodated.

A notable aspect of this architecture is its unique use of materials, which are carefully selected to reinforce the collective narrative of wellness and connection to nature. Local stone is employed for the façades, offering durability while complementing the natural environment. A wooden framing structure supports the overall design, fostering a warm and inviting interior atmosphere. In pursuit of well-being, blue clay is featured prominently, recognizing its therapeutic properties and grounding the architectural concept in local traditions.

The design approach undertaken in this project demonstrates several innovative elements worthy of discussion. One key feature is the incorporation of water management systems that not only highlight the importance of sustainability but also enhance the sensory experience of users. Water is utilized in various forms—flows, pools, and garden features—creating a calming atmosphere that encourages reflection and relaxation. The architectural forms themselves are characterized by their fluid, wave-like shapes, which echo the rhythms of nature and foster connectivity between different areas of the site, integrating the indoor and outdoor experiences seamlessly.

Landscaping plays a vital role in the project, with undulating contours designed to mimic natural landforms. This layered approach to the landscape is functional as well as aesthetic, facilitating effective rainwater drainage while providing visual interest. The integration of nature throughout the project invites occupants to engage more deeply with the environment, deriving not only beauty but also a sense of peace from the surrounding landscape.

Further examination of the architectural details, plans, and sections reveals a well-considered design that prioritizes user experience and environmental responsibility. The project provides an insightful perspective on how architecture can serve as a medium for wellness promotion, encouraging community interactions and providing spaces that nurture both physical and mental health.

For those interested in exploring this project further, a closer look at the architectural plans, sections, and designs will offer a comprehensive view of the thought processes and architectural ideas that informed this unique endeavor. Engaging with these materials can enhance your understanding of how well-crafted architectural elements contribute to the overarching narrative of wellness and sustainability within the design.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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