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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

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

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 York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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