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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.

### 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 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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