Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

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 17,725 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