Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Charred Timber Facades and Traditional Thatch Roofs in a Sustainable Mindfulness Retreat

Authors:
Alina Ludviga, Alice Hewitt, Lucy Hillier
Charred Timber Facades and Traditional Thatch Roofs in a Sustainable Mindfulness Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred timber facades and traditional thatch roofs, the design creates a harmonious retreat that emphasizes sustainable practices and cultural heritage, facilitating mindfulness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced reclaimed timber to enhance sustainability.
02
Incorporates traditional thatching techniques for roofing, reflecting local craftsmanship.
03
Features unique hay insulation in accommodations, promoting energy efficiency.
04
Includes a circular sun terrace designed for group meditation and social interaction.
05
Emphasizes seasonal cycles through architectural layout and natural light integration.
The Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural project situated in a tranquil Latvian landscape, designed to promote mindfulness and a connection with nature. The concept revolves around creating a retreat that emphasizes sustainability and cultural principles rooted in local heritage. The design integrates various spatial elements intended for meditation, communal activities, and individual reflection, fostering an atmosphere conducive to personal growth and tranquility.

The central component of the project is the Barn itself, a multifunctional structure that houses spaces for group meditation, personal reflection, and guest accommodations. The building adopts traditional Latvian architectural styles, specifically utilizing a thatched roof and stone walls. These materials, alongside reclaimed wood and charred timber, echo the region's architectural heritage while providing thermal efficiency. The design encourages natural light into the interior spaces, enhancing the overall ambiance and supporting the project's function as a retreat.

Adjacent to the Barn, the Hay Stacks serve as unique accommodation units. Constructed using locally sourced hay for insulation, they reflect traditional building methods, blending functionality with cultural relevance. This choice not only fulfills practical needs but also maintains a low environmental impact. The simplicity of these structures aligns with the project's goal of promoting a minimalist lifestyle, which enhances the meditative experience for users.

Another pivotal aspect of the project is the Sun Terrace, designed as an open communal space for group activities and social interaction. The circular seating arrangement encourages engagement among visitors, fostering a sense of community while being integrated into the natural landscape. This area also incorporates native flora, promoting biodiversity and sustaining local wildlife, which further strengthens the connection between users and their environment.

A unique design approach evident in the Barn Meditation Camp is its incorporation of ecological systems, which includes water recycling and photovoltaic energy generation. These elements promote the self-sufficiency of the retreat while providing educational opportunities for visitors on sustainable practices. Additionally, the integration of symbols derived from Latvian mythology into the design creates an expressive narrative, enhancing the cultural depth and allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local context.

The architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Barn Meditation Camp reflect a commitment to sustainability and cultural integrity. Each design choice has been meticulously considered to ensure it aligns with the broader goals of the project. For those interested in exploring the nuances of this project further, a review of the architectural plans and sections can provide comprehensive insights into its thoughtful design approach.
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 17,249 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