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Wellness Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Natural Setting

Author:
Daniel Selensky
Wellness Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Natural Setting

Project in-detail

Nestled within a lush landscape, this wellness retreat skillfully combines cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles to create a serene environment that harmonizes with nature while offering innovative spaces for rejuvenation and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates an oculus that provides a dynamic connection to the sky, enhancing the experience of outdoor immersion while enjoying the outdoor soaking tub.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used not only for structural integrity but also for achieving optimal thermal performance and aesthetic warmth throughout the retreat.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a striking visual contrast against the natural landscape while also offering enhanced durability and resistance to the elements.
04
Each therapy room is purposefully oriented to maximize specific views of the surrounding greenery, promoting tranquility and mindfulness for users.
05
The incorporation of an atmospheric water generator supports sustainability efforts by harvesting humidity, contributing to the retreat's self-sufficiency in water.
The architectural project titled "Spa for One Family" epitomizes a thoughtful and integrative approach to wellness and relaxation within a residential context. This project represents a unique synthesis of design and functionality, aiming to create an environment that prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and user experience. By focusing on the interplay between architecture and nature, the spa is designed to serve as a retreat that encourages personal well-being and family interaction.

The primary function of this architectural design is to provide a serene space dedicated to health, relaxation, and family gatherings. The spa's layout is carefully organized to optimize the flow of movement and accessibility, ensuring that each area serves a specific purpose while enhancing the overall experience. Key components of the design include communal spaces that foster interaction among family members, private therapy rooms that offer solace and tranquility, and features like saunas and outdoor tubs that integrate wellness practices with stunning natural views.

Each element within this architectural project has been regarded with careful consideration. The architecture is defined by a harmonious blend of materials, which include wood and glass, selected for both their aesthetic qualities and their sustainable properties. The use of wood contributes warmth to the environment and promotes a connection to the natural surroundings, while expansive glass walls allow natural light to pour in, creating a sense of openness and engagement with the landscape. Furthermore, the choice of natural insulation aligns with the project's sustainability goals, ensuring energy efficiency and a healthy indoor atmosphere.

The spatial configuration is notable for its emphasis on communal areas, which serve as the heart of the spa experience. The guest living area is expansive yet intimate, striking a balance that encourages togetherness. In contrast, the therapy rooms are designed to provide personal retreats, each positioned with intentional views that enhance relaxation. The sauna, thoughtfully situated to overlook a serene lake, exemplifies the project’s design philosophy of merging indoor comfort with outdoor beauty, allowing users to immerse themselves in nature while indulging in wellness activities.

Unique design approaches are evident in various aspects of the project. One of the standout features is the inclusion of an oculus, particularly in the outdoor tub area, allowing for skyward views that foster contemplation and contact with the outdoors. Each room's orientation is specifically crafted to maximize views, creating a continuous dialogue between the building and its greenery. This architectural design strategy not only enhances aesthetics but also elevates the overall sensory experience of the occupants.

Moreover, the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship is underlined by its sustainable practices. The modular construction approach emphasizes prefabrication, ensuring precision during assembly while minimizing site disruption. The overall design strategically maintains a compact footprint, allowing the surrounding landscape to remain largely intact and undisturbed.

The "Spa for One Family" stands as a significant example of contemporary architectural thought, embodying principles that prioritize well-being, sustainability, and a harmonious relationship with nature. This project invites exploration of its architectural plans and sections, offering deeper insights into its carefully curated design elements. For those interested in examining how these architectural ideas translate into practical design outcomes, a thorough review of the project’s presentation is highly encouraged. Such engagement with the details will reveal the intricate deliberations that make this spa a distinctive and meaningful addition to modern residential architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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