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Charred Wood Shingles and Stone Elements in a Serene Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Sean Abar, Shamim Khosravi-Vamakani
Charred Wood Shingles and Stone Elements in a Serene Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design creates a harmonious retreat that fosters mindfulness and connection to nature through its tranquil meditation spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The meditation retreat integrates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and create a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for rapid construction while providing thermal efficiency.
03
The design includes expansive glass facades that offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
04
A bent A-frame structure maximizes interior space while minimizing material usage.
05
Native stone is integrated into the foundation, connecting the retreat to its local context.
The Solitude Stone Barn Meditation Camp is a thoughtfully designed architectural project located in the serene landscapes of eastern Latvia, near the town of Vidzeme. This architecture represents a careful integration of built form within the natural environment, aiming to create a space dedicated to meditation, wellness, and community interaction. The camp is envisioned as a retreat that encourages visitors to disconnect from the fast pace of urban life and reconnect with themselves and the surrounding nature.

The primary function of the Solitude Stone Barn Meditation Camp revolves around providing a setting conducive to mindfulness and relaxation. It serves not only as a place for individual reflection but also fosters communal experiences through shared spaces designed for yoga, meditation, and dining. The design carefully balances personal retreat areas with communal facilities to cater to diverse visitor experiences. This duality in function highlights the camp's role as both an escape and a space for social engagement, embodying a holistic approach to wellness.

Key components of the camp include an accommodation building, a yoga and meditation pavilion, a central kitchen and café area, and private reflective zones. Each element has been meticulously crafted to enhance the overall experience of the retreat. The accommodation building is strategically positioned to overlook the gentle contours of the landscape, providing its occupants with picturesque views and an inviting atmosphere. The yoga and meditation pavilion exemplifies the project's architectural ethos with its expansive glass facade, promoting transparency and allowing natural light to flood the interior while framing views of the natural surroundings.

The central kitchen and café serve as a communal hub, reinforcing the importance of shared meals and social interaction. This feature acknowledges the human need for connection and the role of nourishment in well-being. The private zones are designed to offer quiet spaces for personal contemplation, ensuring that visitors can find solitude amidst the communal activities of the camp.

A defining aspect of the Solitude Stone Barn Meditation Camp is its unique design approach, which emphasizes sustainability and environmental harmony. The architects have opted to utilize locally sourced materials, including glass, stone, wood, and steel, which not only provide structural integrity but also resonate with the local context. For instance, the use of stone reflects traditional Latvian building techniques and creates a tactile connection to the earth, while the extensive incorporation of glass blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, inviting nature into every experience.

The camp also features green roofs and carefully landscaped areas, allowing vegetation to integrate seamlessly into the built environment. Water features are skillfully incorporated to enhance the sensory experience of the site, offering both visual and aural benefits that contribute to a tranquil atmosphere. These design elements address the critical need for ecological sensitivity in architecture, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing environmental impact through thoughtful selection and construction practices.

The Solitude Stone Barn Meditation Camp stands as an exemplary model of modern architecture that prioritizes not only aesthetic appeal but also function and sustainability. Its design approaches facilitate a connection between individuals and their environment, promoting wellness and mindfulness in an increasingly disconnected world. The careful articulation of space and materiality contributes to a cohesive experience that speaks to both the individual and the collective.

For those interested in exploring this project further, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide deeper insights into the unique features and inspirations that shape this remarkable retreat. By delving into the details of the Solitude Stone Barn Meditation Camp, one can appreciate its thoughtful architecture and the values it embodies.
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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
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