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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Tranquil Meditation Camp Emphasizing Sustainability

Authors:
Canon Manley, Chase Parrish, Toni Cliett
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Tranquil Meditation Camp Emphasizing Sustainability

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the design integrates sustainable practices to create a contemplative retreat that fosters mindfulness and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly and structural efficiency.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates a community farm adjacent to dining facilities to support sustainable living.
05
Reflects Latvian cultural motifs in the design of meditation spaces, enhancing local identity.

### Overview

Located near the Daugava River in Riga, this project aims to develop a multi-faceted meditation camp that embodies the principles of Truth, Austerity, Cleanliness, and Mercy. The design serves as a space for spiritual practices rooted in the concept of Dharma, integrating cultural, environmental, and ethical dimensions to align with Latvian traditions. It is intended to offer an immersive environment that facilitates mindfulness, self-awareness, and community-oriented living.

### Site Planning and User Experience

The layout of the camp is strategically organized to follow the natural contours of the landscape, creating an organic flow that reflects the movement of the Daugava River. Pathways are designed to enhance accessibility between essential facilities, including dining, lodging, and meditation areas, thereby reinforcing the interconnected nature of the four foundational pillars. The meditation area incorporates elements drawn from Latvian culture, such as PUZUR ornaments and stork nest forms, fostering a sense of regional identity while enhancing the contemplative experience. Elevated meditation stands further enrich the user experience by providing a peaceful interface with nature.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices

The project emphasizes a commitment to environmental stewardship through thoughtful material selection. Natural stone is utilized for its structural integrity and aesthetic qualities, while sustainably sourced wood contributes warmth and a connection to the surrounding environment. Reinforced steel features in retractable roof designs, signifying resilience and modernity. Solar panels are incorporated into roofing configurations, facilitating renewable energy generation to support the camp's sustainability goals. Adjacent to the dining facility, a community farm implements organic and regenerative farming practices focused on plant-based nutrition, underscoring the project's commitment to ecological balance and holistic living.

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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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