Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Timber And Thatch Roofs Form A Nature-Centric Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Alina Ludviga, Alice Hewitt, Lucy Hillier
Charred Timber And Thatch Roofs Form A Nature-Centric Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred timber and traditional thatch roofing, the retreat seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, fostering mindfulness and community engagement in a serene rural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates traditional Latvian thatch roofing, enhancing both aesthetics and insulation.
02
Accommodation units are modeled after local hay stacks, utilizing sustainable straw for natural insulation.
03
Charred timber is employed for its weather resistance and visual appeal, creating a cohesive natural look.
04
A rainwater collection system contributes to sustainability by replenishing local water sources without ecological disruption.
05
The layout promotes communal mindfulness through intentional spatial arrangements that encourage interaction and solitude.
The Barn Meditation Camp is an evocative architectural project nestled in the serene countryside of Latvia, designed as a retreat for individuals seeking to reconnect with nature and their inner selves. This project represents a harmonious blend of natural elements, cultural traditions, and sustainable practices, offering a thoughtful sanctuary that caters to both personal reflection and communal activity. The meditation camp is structured to facilitate various forms of meditation, relaxation, and learning, successfully creating an inviting atmosphere where visitors can engage with themselves and their surroundings.

Functionally, The Barn serves as a multifunctional space that accommodates different activities aimed at enhancing mindfulness and wellness. The main structure, referred to as The Barn, features a spacious interior designed to host meditation sessions while also providing comfortable areas for social interaction and quiet contemplation. The use of local materials such as reclaimed timber and thatch roofs anchors the design in its geographical context while promoting sustainability. The architecture emphasizes open spaces filled with natural light, and a strong visual connection to the landscape outside, acknowledging the vital relationship between the built environment and nature.

The architectural layout includes several distinct components: the main meditation space, guest accommodations, and an innovative sauna. Each element is purposefully designed to promote relaxation and reflection while utilizing traditional Latvian architectural forms and principles. The accommodation units, resembling hay stacks, creatively reinterpret local agricultural practices and offer serene settings for guests seeking solitude. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the project, but also underscores the importance of ecological awareness through the use of natural insulation properties inherent in straw.

Unique design approaches in The Barn Meditation Camp are particularly evident in its sustainable features, where advanced ecological strategies are seamlessly integrated into the architecture. For instance, the project employs a water recycling system that captures rainwater and purifies it, helping maintain the local water supply without negatively impacting the surrounding environment. Solar energy is harnessed through photovoltaic panels, significantly reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and promoting renewable energy practices.

Additionally, The Barn Meditation Camp emphasizes the importance of biodiversity within its landscape. Strategic landscaping encourages the flourishing of local flora and fauna, creating biodiversity corridors that enhance the ecological habitat while also enriching visitors' experiences of nature. This thoughtful consideration for the environment extends to the choice of materials, such as sunbleached and charred timber, which not only ensure durability but also allow the structures to age gracefully and blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings.

The design of The Barn is a reflection of the essence of Latvian cultural heritage, evidenced by the incorporation of traditional elements that resonate with local customs and histories. Its architectural identity not only serves its functional purposes but also acts as a narrative medium, telling the stories of the land and its people. Emphasizing natural aesthetics and spatial relationships, the project encourages mindful practices that foster both individual awareness and community connectivity.

To fully appreciate the complexities and innovations present in The Barn Meditation Camp, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs that elucidate the thoughtful considerations behind the project. By reviewing these elements, one can gain a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas that inform this unique retreat, as well as the overarching philosophy promoting harmony between architecture and nature. The Barn invites dialogue and introspection, serving as a valuable model for architecture that respects cultural heritage while pioneering sustainable solutions. A closer look at the project presentation could provide further insights into its design and function, revealing the thoughtful intricacies that make it a standout in contemporary architecture.
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