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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Mindfulness Retreat Emphasizing Natural Serenity

Authors:
Ashley Perkins, Selina Cinecio
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Mindfulness Retreat Emphasizing Natural Serenity

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the retreat embodies a harmonious blend of sustainability and sensory experience, designed to foster mindfulness in a serene natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and ventilation.
04
Utilizes locally sourced stone to create a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes a modular layout that allows for flexible use and future expansion.

## Project Overview

Located in a peaceful natural setting, the meditation camp is designed to facilitate a transition from the fast pace of everyday life to a state of mindfulness. The project includes cabins, a Community House, a Family House, and a Silence Chamber, all of which integrate local natural resources and sustainable architectural practices.

## Spatial Configuration

The layout emphasizes a thoughtful organization of spaces that guides visitors through varying experiences. Upon arrival, a gravel parking area is framed by trees, marking a clear transition into the tranquil environment. A winding stone path leads guests through the site, enhancing their connection to nature. The design balances communal facilities—such as the Community House—against private spaces, including individual cabins and the Silence Chamber, promoting both social interaction and personal contemplation. Strategic placement of structures ensures unobstructed views of the natural surroundings, immersing guests in the site’s inherent beauty.

## Material Selection

The project places significant emphasis on materiality to enhance its environmental and aesthetic impact. Local stone is used extensively in structural elements, establishing a connection to the site's history. Timber sourced from nearby forests contributes warmth to the interiors and integrates the buildings with their environment. Additionally, metal panels serve functional purposes while providing a modern contrast, and concrete forms the foundations to ensure long-term stability. These materials are carefully chosen not only for their performance characteristics but also for their ability to foster a sense of place and harmony with the natural landscape.

The design incorporates sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting and geothermal heating, which minimize the ecological footprint. Each building is constructed with adaptability in mind, utilizing modular principles to allow for flexibility and potential future expansions. The alignment of structures and pathways enhances the meditative experience, fostering personal reflection and community engagement within a serene natural context.

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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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