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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation

Authors:
Emilie Voss-Hustaix, Jon Voss
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Tranquil Retreat for Meditation

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the retreat seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, providing a dedicated space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles, the exterior offers both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Incorporates passive solar design principles to optimize natural lighting and energy efficiency.
04
Features silent chambers specifically designed for individual meditation and introspection.
05
Landscaped to integrate with natural topography, promoting a seamless connection to the environment.

## Overview of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp

Located in the serene landscapes of Latvia, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural intervention that reconfigures an existing historical sawmill into a space dedicated to meditation and reflection. This design seeks to establish a harmonious connection with the natural environment while facilitating individual introspection and community engagement.

## Spatial Composition and Functional Layout

### Architectural Strategy
The central structure encompasses various functional areas, including an entrance hall, main event hall, open dining and kitchen space, silent chambers, sauna, outdoor fire pit, vegetable gardens, and yoga practice areas. The layout has been strategically designed to enhance movement through distinct zones, promoting different activities such as meditation, communal dining, and solitary reflection. Each area is interrelated to cultivate a tranquil atmosphere that encourages a seamless transition between physical spaces and emotional experiences.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Measures
The material palette emphasizes sustainability and regional context, featuring locally sourced wood for structural and interior elements, natural stone for walls, and extensive glass facades to maximize natural light. This choice not only creates a visually appealing environment but also supports energy efficiency.

Key sustainability features include a rainwater harvesting system, high-efficiency insulation, and passive solar design, which work collectively to minimize the camp's ecological footprint. Large windows facilitate natural ventilation and light, further reducing reliance on artificial lighting, thereby aligning the project with environmentally responsible practices.

## Integration of Historical Context and Meditative Spaces

### Reflective Zones
The design includes specialized areas for meditation and wellness. Silent chambers provide secluded spaces for deep contemplation, while outdoor yoga platforms are designed to enhance the connection between practice and nature. These elements are integrated within the existing natural landscape, creating an inviting atmosphere for exploration and personal growth.

### Historical Harmony
By retaining elements of the old sawmill, the structure creates a dialogue between its historical significance and contemporary architectural features. This narrative fosters an awareness of the site's legacy, allowing visitors to appreciate its evolution while engaging with modern design. The spatial configuration respects the natural topography, highlighting a historic stream and guiding visitors through the landscape, thus reinforcing the connection between the built environment and its natural 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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