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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Tranquil Retreat for Wellness and Reflection

Authors:
Razan Ati, Lara Abu Manneh, Hana Al Khairi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Tranquil Retreat for Wellness and Reflection

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and local stone harmonize with a restored water channel to create a serene environment dedicated to wellness and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a sustainable roofing solution that enhances fire resistance.
02
Local stone cladding integrates the building with its natural surroundings and minimizes environmental impact.
03
A restored water channel serves both ecological and aesthetic purposes, enhancing the sensory experience.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural efficiency and contribute to the building's eco-friendly credentials.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while creating dynamic rooflines that blend with the landscape.

**Overview and Context**
Located in a serene snowy landscape, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp emphasizes the integration of architecture with nature and wellness practices. The design concept is informed by the site's topography and hydrology, creating a dual-functional environment consisting of private family residences and public meditation and wellness facilities. The project capitalizes on the existing water channel and historic barn structure, using water as a thematic element that organizes the space and guides user pathways.

**Spatial Configuration and Flow**
The layout incorporates a main channel spine that organizes various functions while allowing visitors to experience the camp gradually. This configuration enhances the therapeutic aspects of both water and nature, facilitating a holistic encounter with the environment. Key elements include an expansive meditation hall characterized by high ceilings and natural light, designed to foster relaxation. Public amenities, such as saunas and an outdoor swimming pool, are strategically situated to offer a blend of communal and private experiences.

**Materials and Sustainability Initiatives**
The material palette includes stone for exterior cladding, steel for structural elements, glass for maximizing natural light, wood for warmth in interiors, and concrete for foundational stability. These materials are selected to ensure durability and aesthetic integration with the surroundings. Sustainable practices play a significant role in the project, particularly through the revival of the water channel and the implementation of a micro-hydro power generation system, underscoring a commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship. The resulting architectural form and materials promote a lasting connection to the landscape while prioritizing user experience and ecological harmony.

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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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