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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Sanctuary for Mindfulness

Author:
Adrianna Lewandowska
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Sanctuary for Mindfulness
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design establishes a tranquil retreat that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings to promote mindfulness and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes sustainable charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to achieve structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and panoramic views.
04
Designed with flexible spaces that can accommodate various meditation practices and communal activities.
05
Integrates local stone into the foundation to establish a connection with the surrounding landscape.

### Overview
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is situated in a tranquil riverside setting in Latvia, designed as a retreat for self-reflection and meditation. Its intent is to foster mental well-being by establishing a strong connection between architecture and the natural environment. By utilizing ecological materials, the design aims to create spaces that promote tranquility and contemplation.

### Spatial Organization
The camp features a series of interconnected spaces that cater to various aspects of meditation and group engagement. Key areas include flexible meditation spaces, which incorporate expansive openings to facilitate both guided and individual practices. The layout encourages movement and exploration while directing visitors toward intimate corners for personal reflection. Additionally, a designated silence chamber, characterized by minimalistic finishes and ambient lighting, provides a sanctuary for solitude and deep relaxation. Communal dining and gathering areas are designed with an open-plan approach, fostering interaction and a sense of community among guests while maintaining visual connectivity with outdoor surroundings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Materials selected for the project reflect both aesthetic values and functional capabilities. Wood serves as a primary structural component, chosen for its warmth and insulation properties, fostering a sense of comfort. Stone is utilized for both foundational and decorative purposes, ensuring durability and visual coherence with the landscape while supporting local sourcing principles. Large expanses of glass in windows and skylights enhance transparency, allowing natural light to permeate interior spaces and continually adjust the atmosphere throughout the day.

The design integrates local architectural elements reminiscent of traditional Latvian barns, adapted for contemporary use. By emphasizing the use of sustainably sourced materials and optimizing natural light and airflow, the project minimizes energy consumption while fostering a genuine connection with the surrounding environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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