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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Serene Retreat Amidst the Forest

Authors:
James Irvine, Buster Caldwell, Daniel Lovelace
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Serene Retreat Amidst the Forest
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the retreat seamlessly integrates into its forest setting, offering spaces for meditation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, allowing for rapid assembly and structural strength.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while maintaining a low environmental impact.
04
Includes a central boardwalk that connects all structures while preserving natural vegetation.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the forest, creating intimate meditation spaces throughout the landscape.

### Overview

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is located in Latvia, a region characterized by its extensive forest landscapes. The facility is designed to provide an environment conducive to relaxation and spiritual growth, emphasizing sustainable practices and ecotourism. The camp seeks to support mindfulness and well-being while creating spaces that reflect the natural surroundings.

### Architectural Layout and Key Facilities

The camp comprises ten distinct structures, including a silent retreat, a therapy building, a primary meditation hall, a dining area, and private residences. These buildings are thoughtfully arranged within the forest, promoting intimacy with the environment while ensuring privacy for contemplation. The therapy building features both a spa and a sauna, designed to facilitate therapeutic experiences. The spa incorporates direct access to a heated pool, while the sauna offers tiered seating and expansive glass to connect visitors with the landscape.

The main meditation hall is divided into various functional areas, including a glass house designed for optimal natural light and thermal comfort. An adjacent uncovered terrace extends the space's usability into warmer months, enhancing the connection to the forest. A central boardwalk runs through the camp, linking the different structures while preserving the surrounding flora and fauna. This design promotes exploration and introspection, allowing guests to engage with the natural environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The materials used throughout the camp reinforce its environmental connection. The predominant use of locally sourced timber reflects the site's history and commitment to sustainability. Expansive glass elements enhance visual transparency and foster a sense of mindfulness by linking occupants with the outdoor setting. Stone, integrated into various structural components, strengthens the architecture's ties to the site’s natural resources.

In addition to utilizing local materials, the camp exemplifies sustainable practices by minimizing ecological impact and promoting community engagement. Communal spaces are designed to encourage social interaction while respecting individual privacy. Each structure is strategically positioned to maximize views of the forest, creating a serene atmosphere that engages visitors with their surroundings.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

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