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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

Project in-detail

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.

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an innovative architectural project situated in a serene landscape in northern Europe. The design emphasizes accessibility and well-being, providing a tranquil setting for meditation and mindfulness practices. The camp comprises various interconnected spaces that facilitate both individual reflection and group activities, making it a versatile environment for personal growth.

The camp consists of several critical components: a meditation hall, dormitories, a kitchen, and a dining area. The meditation hall serves as the project's focal point, designed to accommodate large groups for meditation sessions with its expansive glass walls that promote a seamless connection between the indoors and the surrounding nature. This relationship with the environment is fundamental to the architectural concept, enhancing the experience of calm and reflection.

The dormitory spaces offer a mix of private and shared accommodations to provide comfort and seclusion. The design integrates large windows to ensure adequate natural light while promoting privacy. The kitchen and dining areas are structured to support communal dining, facilitating social interaction among guests, essential for a retreat setting.

Material selection plays a crucial role in this project, with an emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing. Natural stone provides a robust structural foundation, while timber framing adds warmth to the interior environment. The use of expansive glass not only enhances natural lighting but also allows occupants to engage visually with the surrounding landscape.

Unique Design Approaches The design of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp distinguishes itself through several innovative approaches. The integration of meditation spaces with their immediate natural environment represents a thoughtful consideration of user experience. By maximizing views and natural lighting, the architecture promotes a sense of openness and tranquility that is essential for meditation practice.

Spaces have been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for various activities beyond meditation, such as workshops and group discussions. This adaptability ensures that the facilities can cater to a wide range of needs and preferences from visitors, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Furthermore, the project's layout encourages a deliberate sequence of movement through the site, guiding occupants from more active areas toward quieter spaces for meditation. This intentional design strategy enhances the overall experience, promoting a mindful approach to the journey within the camp.

Architectural Details and Materials In terms of architectural detailing, the emphasis on craft and quality is evident. The natural stone and timber materials used in construction are not only robust but also contribute to an aesthetically pleasing environment that reinforces the camp's connection to nature. The choice of materials aligns with modern sustainability practices while providing a tactile quality that enhances user comfort.

The architectural designs reflect a comprehensive understanding of environmental dynamics and energy efficiency. The site's orientation maximizes thermal performance and naturally regulates interior climate conditions, contributing to a sustainable operational model.

To explore the full nuances of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and further architectural ideas, readers are encouraged to examine the project presentation for additional insights. The thoughtful design and architectural integrity of this project offer valuable lessons in creating environments that foster well-being and mindfulness.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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