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Camera Obscura Experience Created With Natural Stone and Charred Timber Elements for Mindfulness Retreat

Authors:
FEDERICO LERNER, MERCEDES MENA
Camera Obscura Experience Created With Natural Stone and Charred Timber Elements for Mindfulness Retreat

Project in-detail

A camera obscura design utilizes natural stone and charred timber to create a serene mindfulness retreat, emphasizing light manipulation and varied spatial experiences within a sustainable framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs a camera obscura feature to enhance natural light dynamics.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic.
03
Integrates a half-buried design that fosters a direct connection to nature.
04
Incorporates silence chambers designed specifically for individual meditation.
05
Features extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp presents a thoughtful exploration of architecture that prioritizes meditation and introspection in a natural setting. The project aims to create an environment conducive to reflection while blending seamlessly with its surrounding landscape. This facility includes multiple designed spaces focused on mindfulness, providing visitors with areas for both group activities and individual contemplation.

The architectural design centers on the concept of a camera obscura, allowing light to filter in creatively through openings in the structure. The building is strategically organized into zones that accommodate various functions, from communal meditation spaces to secluded silence chambers. The use of contrasting elements, such as openness and enclosure, enhances the sensory experience for users.

Natural materials play a key role in the project's design. The predominant use of stone ensures durability and a sense of permanence, while timber cladding adds warmth to interior spaces. Metal roof panels contribute to the modern aesthetic and provide resilience against environmental factors. Large glass windows establish a strong connection to the outdoors, encouraging visitors to engage with the changing light and natural environment.

Unique Features and Design Approaches

A noteworthy aspect of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp is its emphasis on accessibility. The design incorporates a gradient of heights and easily navigable paths, allowing individuals with varying abilities to access all areas of the facility. This attention to inclusivity aligns with the overall goal of fostering a welcoming environment for meditation.

Another distinctive feature is the integration of sustainable practices throughout the project. Renewable energy systems, including solar panels and rainwater collection mechanisms, minimize the building's ecological footprint. Composting systems further demonstrate a commitment to responsible waste management, highlighting a focus on sustainability that enhances the user experience without detracting from aesthetic qualities.

Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The internal layout of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp is critical to its functionality. Spaces are divided thoughtfully to accommodate both shared and solitary experiences. Interior rooms designed for larger groups provide opportunities for collective practice, while silence chambers offer privacy for individual meditation. The integration of half-buried external rooms allows users to connect with nature more intimately, fostering a sense of grounding and rootedness.

The project's architectural plans illustrate the nuanced relationships between different spaces and their respective purposes. Architectural sections showcase the intentional heights and materials, contributing to an atmosphere that supports reflection. Overall, these configurations create a holistic environment where architecture serves not only as a container for activities but also as a facilitator of personal growth and well-being.

For a deeper insight into the architectural details and design strategies of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented within the project documentation.
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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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