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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Serene Retreat for Contemplation

Author:
Ewa Wiszniewska
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Serene Retreat for Contemplation

Project in-detail

Characterized by the use of charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the retreat offers a tranquil environment tailored for meditation and community engagement within a carefully integrated natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Employs cross-laminated timber panels to streamline construction and reduce environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior height while minimizing material use.
04
Incorporates skylights to optimize natural light and connect occupants to the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes a dedicated vegetable garden to promote self-sustainability and community involvement.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp, located in Latvia, serves as a contemplative retreat that merges modern architectural principles with traditional Latvian design. The project encapsulates a serene environment for meditation, reflection, and community interaction. This architectural endeavor emphasizes a balance between individual solitude and collective experience, making it a functional space for both visitors and practitioners.

The design features a distinct layout consisting of several key components, including a central barn structure, parking facilities, vegetable gardens, and saunas. These elements are carefully arranged to facilitate movement and promote connection to the surrounding landscape. The integration of natural features, such as the adjacent river, enhances the overall serene atmosphere, allowing for a space that fosters introspection and peace.

Architecturally, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp employs a thoughtful material selection, using grey wood, stone from existing structures, glass, and concrete. This combination not only establishes a dialogue between the built environment and the natural setting but also contributes to sustainable practices in construction. The use of glass in various facades and skylights invites natural light into the interior spaces, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that complements the overall design philosophy.

The dual structure of the camp is one of its most distinctive attributes. The separation of administrative and visitor spaces through a transparent footbridge allows for privacy while maintaining a visual connection between different areas. This design strategy encourages community interaction without compromising individual experiences.

Another notable aspect is the incorporation of perforated metal pathways that guide visitors along the river. These pathways enhance the sensory experience of the environment, encouraging deeper engagement with nature. The project also reflects elements of pre-Christian Latvian culture, serving as a bridge between historical context and contemporary functionality.

In summary, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural project that blends design, sustainability, and cultural heritage. It stands out due to its careful site integration, thoughtful materiality, and unique approach to spatial organization. For further exploration of this project, including detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation.
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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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