Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Wellness Retreat Featuring Geothermal Heating and Cross-Laminated Timber Elements

Authors:
Brett Moss, JORGE SAN MARTIN, DANIEL RODRIGUEZ, JORGE RODRIGUEZ
Wellness Retreat Featuring Geothermal Heating and Cross-Laminated Timber Elements

Project in-detail

Nestled in Latvia's serene landscape, this wellness retreat uniquely combines geothermal heating with sustainably sourced materials like cross-laminated timber and blue clay, creating a space that honors traditional spa practices while harmonizing with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The retreat utilizes locally sourced blue clay in treatment areas, reflecting regional traditions and natural healing properties.
02
A geothermal heating system leverages the heat from the adjacent mound, reducing energy costs and enhancing sustainability.
03
The building's façade is constructed with charred wooden shingles, providing natural fire resistance while achieving a unique aesthetic.
04
An integrated rainwater harvesting system supplies water for both landscaping and spa facilities, promoting ecological stewardship.
05
The design features extensive glass panels that strategically frame views of the surrounding pond, enhancing the immersive nature experience for guests.
The Blue Clay Country Spa is an architectural project located in Latvia that exemplifies a thoughtful integration of natural elements with a contemporary design aesthetic. This spa serves as a wellness retreat that highlights the importance of traditional Latvian spa practices, while also embracing modern architecture. The project functions as a sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection to the environment, facilitating an immersive experience enhanced by both the architectural form and the surrounding landscape.

In this design, the architects emphasize the relationship between the built space and the natural environment, carefully considering how the layout interacts with the pond, the mound, and the surrounding greenery. The overall representation of the project is one of harmony and balance, seeking to provide guests with not just a place to unwind, but also a space that fosters a deeper connection with nature. This approach manifests in the thoughtful arrangement of spaces that guide visitors through a series of experiences, combining both individual and communal areas.

One of the important aspects of the Blue Clay Country Spa is its spatial organization, designed to optimize the flow of movement within the retreat. Guests enter along a thoughtfully designed path that serves as an introduction to the spa's offerings. From there, they navigate various zones, including personal baths, treatment rooms, and communal areas that invite social interaction. Each space is carefully curated to enhance the overall experience, with specific attention given to views of the pond that provide a serene backdrop for relaxation.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the design of this project. The choice of materials reflects the local context and the surrounding landscape. Wood, prominently featured in the façade, adds warmth and texture, while large glass panels allow for abundant natural light and unobstructed views of the landscape. Blue clay, used in the massage rooms, ties the structure back to its geographical roots and emphasizes the health benefits associated with this traditional material. Additionally, the use of brick provides structural durability, contributing to the overall longevity of the project. Sustainable materials, including bamboo for flooring, further illustrate a commitment to environmentally conscious design.

A unique aspect of the design involves its innovative approach to sustainability. The architects have incorporated geothermal energy through the mound adjacent to the spa, allowing the building to utilize natural heating sources. This integration not only reduces energy consumption but also aligns the architectural intent with principles of ecological responsibility. Further enhancing this aspect is the inclusion of a rainwater harvesting system, ensuring that the spa operates with minimal environmental impact. The project also features a garden that cultivates food for guests, reinforcing a commitment to local sourcing and sustainability.

Another significant element of the Blue Clay Country Spa is its representation of cultural heritage. By embedding traditional Latvian spa practices into the architectural layout and guest experience, the design honors local customs while providing contemporary comfort. This approach ensures that visitors not only receive wellness services but also engage with the cultural context of their environment.

In summary, the Blue Clay Country Spa is a well-thought-out architectural project that successfully merges design and nature into a cohesive experience. Its careful planning, materials, and sustainability initiatives create a comprehensive wellness retreat that respects local traditions and the environment. To gain deeper insights into the architectural details and design decisions of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the presentation further and review architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that illustrate the thoughtful execution of this endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy