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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biodurable Materials Define a Retreat for Contemplation

Authors:
Maxim Badyornij, Artem Zanegin, Kirill Maikhopar
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biodurable Materials Define a Retreat for Contemplation

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and biodurable materials, the design creates a seamless integration of natural surroundings while providing a dedicated space for meditation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space for versatility.
04
Promotes natural light through extensive glass facades, connecting interiors with the landscape.
05
Designed with modular components to facilitate easy assembly and future adaptability.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural project located in Vidzeme, Latvia, designed to serve as a retreat for reflection and meditation. This facility is carefully situated amidst natural landscapes, offering a tranquil environment that encourages personal introspection and communal engagement. The camp features distinct architectural elements that cater to various activities including communal dining, individual meditation, and leisure, facilitating both social interaction and solitary reflection.

The primary function of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp encompasses accommodation, wellness activities, and community workshops. The layout includes multiple buildings: a Main Building that houses communal spaces, a Meditation Building designed for individual practices, and auxiliary structures that provide guest amenities. Each area is designed to optimize natural light and incorporate views of the surrounding landscape, creating an atmosphere conducive to mindfulness and relaxation.

A significant characteristic of this project lies in its integration of natural materials with contemporary design strategies. The use of locally sourced wood and stone not only aligns with the ecological approach but also enhances aesthetic appeal, ensuring that the buildings blend seamlessly into the environment. Large glass panels employed in the Main Building illustrate a commitment to transparency and openness, making the natural world an integral part of the aesthetic experience.

The camp's design also features innovative elements such as the use of blazed steel frames that provide structural integrity while maintaining a modern visual language. The incorporation of titanium zinc composite panels on the exteriors reflects a sustainable approach towards material selection, emphasizing durability and low maintenance over time.

In addition to building materials, the project stands out for its unique spatial organization. The pathway leading through the facility is designed to guide visitors from the external environment into a contemplative space. This transition is deliberately crafted to enhance the visitor's journey from the bustling world to a serene state of being. The separation of communal areas from individual meditation zones facilitates both social connection and personal solitude, catering to a diverse range of user needs.

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp exemplifies an architectural approach that prioritizes user experience and environmental integration. This design reflects a thorough understanding of the relationship between space, purpose, and the surrounding landscape. For those interested in exploring this project further, detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas are available for review, offering deeper insights into the thoughtful approaches that underpin this meditation retreat.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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