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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

Project in-detail

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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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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