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 Wood Cladding and Glass Walls Create a Tranquil Retreat for Reflection and Community

Authors:
Stewart Schuetze, Sandra Benitez, Lam Jonathan Tran
Charred Wood Cladding and Glass Walls Create a Tranquil Retreat for Reflection and Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood cladding and expansive glass walls, the design creates a harmonious blend of natural materials that fosters a serene environment, dedicated to meditation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability while providing a unique aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels allow for expansive, open interior spaces without compromising structural integrity.
03
The design incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to promote sustainability and resource efficiency.
04
Meditation spaces are strategically located to optimize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
05
A flexible layout accommodates both communal gatherings and private reflection, catering to diverse user needs.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp stands as a thoughtful architectural project that seeks to create a serene and immersive environment dedicated to meditation and reflection. Situated in a natural landscape, this design embodies a commitment to harmonizing built form with elements of nature. The project represents a holistic approach towards wellness, aiming to facilitate a deeper connection between individuals and their surroundings.

Functionally, the camp serves as both an accommodation space and a communal hub for meditation activities, emphasizing the importance of community interaction alongside personal tranquility. The layout incorporates multiple guest suites that provide comfort and privacy, designed to host visitors seeking respite from their daily lives. The architecture places particular emphasis on communal areas where guests can gather for dining and group meditation, fostering social bonds and shared experiences.

Key features of the design reflect a careful consideration of both aesthetics and sustainability. The use of natural stone forms the primary structural base of the project, grounding it within its environment while offering durability. This choice not only underlines the architectural integrity but also ensures a connection to the geological context of the site. Complementing the stone are extensive wood elements, used in ceilings and floors, which contribute warmth and an inviting atmosphere. Large glass panels are strategically integrated into the architecture, allowing for abundant natural light and seamless views of the landscape, creating a stronger link between the interior spaces and the outdoor environment.

The architectural design also includes unique features that enhance the meditation experience. For instance, meditation spaces are varied and thoughtfully positioned to offer diverse interactions with nature, from tranquil water features that encourage reflection to sunken plazas that invite quiet contemplation. This spatial diversity caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose their environment based on their personal meditation practice.

Sustainability plays a critical role in the project’s design philosophy. The incorporation of solar energy solutions reflects a commitment to minimizing the environmental footprint. Solar panels on the guest units help meet energy needs sustainably. Furthermore, a rainwater collection system is implemented, supporting landscape irrigation and reducing dependence on municipal water supplies. These features underline a contemporary understanding of architectural responsibility towards the environment while enhancing the appeal of the camp.

What makes the Stone Barn Meditation Camp particularly unique is its successful integration of art and architecture. The design incorporates thoughtful elements such as framing views and creating dynamic light patterns within the spaces, enhancing the sensory experience without overwhelming it. The camp is not merely a series of structures, but a carefully curated environment that encourages exploration and personal growth through its thoughtfully planned pathways and spaces.

Overall, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp serves as a prime example of how architecture can facilitate wellness through intentional design. By blending functional requirements with sustainable practices and aesthetic considerations, the project offers a comprehensive approach to building a retreat space. Those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of its features and concepts to gain a clearer understanding of its architecture and design intricacies.
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