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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Author:
Conrad Marcus Rathmann
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Tranquil Meditation Retreat
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the retreat harmoniously integrates into its landscape, offering a serene environment for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient structural performance and thermal insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while harmonizing with the landscape.
04
Integrates large glass walls to promote natural light and connect occupants with nature.
05
Designed with flexible communal areas to support diverse activities and promote social interaction.

### Project Overview

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is located in northern Europe, designed to foster mindfulness and meditation practices within a serene natural landscape. This architectural intervention aims to create spaces that support well-being through a thoughtful combination of tranquil areas for contemplation and communal engagement. The integration of natural elements with dedicated spiritual spaces serves to enhance the visitor experience.

### Spatial Organization

The architectural layout consists of interconnected components, including meditation halls, dormitories, and communal areas, strategically arranged to promote reflection and community interaction. Central to the design is the Meditation Hall, featuring expansive glass walls that invite natural light and connect occupants to the surrounding environment. Dormitories provide varied accommodation options, ensuring comfort and privacy while allowing for ample views of the landscape. The kitchen and dining hall are designed to encourage communal dining, reinforcing social connections among guests.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette reflects a commitment to sustainability, prioritizing local sourcing and environmental integrity. Natural stone forms the foundational elements, ensuring durability and a strong connection to the landscape. Timber framing contributes warmth to the interior and provides structural support, while carefully placed glass elements optimize natural lighting and thermal performance. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the site, embodying responsible architectural practices.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

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Competition organisers

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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