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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Environments for Mindful Retreats

Authors:
Emanuel Etzersdorfer, Cornelia Laule
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Environments for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Capturing the essence of tranquility with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design offers a serene retreat that harmonizes with its rural landscape while encouraging mindful reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and structural integrity.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles, providing both a unique aesthetic and fire-resistant qualities.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Designed with communal spaces to foster connection among visitors while maintaining areas for individual reflection.
05
Integrates passive solar principles to reduce energy consumption throughout the year.
The Stone Barn Meditation project offers a contemplative retreat that resonates with the serene landscape of Latvia. Nestled near the village of Irše, this architectural endeavor aims to create a harmonious space where visitors can connect with nature and experience mindfulness. The design reflects both the cultural heritage of the region and modern sustainable practices, resulting in a building that serves as both a guest facility and a family home.

The project is centered around the theme of tranquility, offering various areas dedicated to meditation and relaxation. It comprises communal spaces that foster a sense of community while providing private retreats for personal reflection. This balance between public and private areas is a thoughtful choice that enhances the overall experience for visitors, encouraging social interaction while preserving individual moments of solitude.

Utilizing locally sourced materials plays a significant role in the project’s architectural identity. The use of natural stone for the exterior walls pays homage to traditional Latvian architecture, providing a robust and thermal-efficient structure. Timber elements feature prominently in the interior, supporting the building's framework and offering warmth and comfort throughout the space. Large sections of glass introduce abundant natural light, bridging the gap between the indoors and the surrounding environment and creating a sense of openness. In addition, concrete is skillfully integrated to form a solid foundation, ensuring durability and longevity.

The spatial configuration is strategic and intentional. The ground floor features communal zones, including a kitchen, dining area, and living room, designed to facilitate gatherings and foster relationships among guests. Ascending to the upper levels, visitors will find dedicated spaces for meditation, equipped with thoughtfully placed windows that frame picturesque views of the Latvian countryside. This focus on providing visual connections to nature not only enhances the atmosphere but also supports the meditative practices the building aims to promote.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the Stone Barn Meditation project. The architects have managed to blend modern building techniques with traditional architectural forms, creating a dialogue between the old and the new. The structure's layout promotes a sense of flow, allowing visitors to seamlessly transition between various areas. Special attention has been given to acoustics, ensuring that the meditation spaces provide a quiet environment conducive to reflection and contemplation.

Moreover, the integration of outdoor terraces and gardens invites nature closer to the visitors, blurring the lines between interior and exterior. These spaces serve not only as areas for relaxation but also as extensions of the interior ambiance, bolstering the overall experience and encouraging an appreciation of the natural surroundings.

Sustainability is a core aspect of the project, reflected in the use of eco-friendly materials and construction methods. By prioritizing local resources, the design supports the region’s economy and minimizes its environmental footprint. The orientation of the building has also been carefully considered to optimize passive solar gain, thereby reducing energy consumption throughout varying seasons.

In summary, the Stone Barn Meditation project encapsulates the essence of mindful architecture, inviting visitors to engage deeply with both themselves and their environment. Through a clever blend of traditional and contemporary design principles, the project fosters community while offering sanctuaries for introspection. Those interested in the architectural plans, sections, and designs can explore further to gain a deeper understanding of the project’s vision and execution. This reflection of community, nature, and design makes the Stone Barn Meditation project a noteworthy example in contemporary architecture.
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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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