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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Tranquil Meditation Retreat Amidst Nature

Authors:
Deniz Sagir, Zeynep Efeoglu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Tranquil Meditation Retreat Amidst Nature

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the design creates a harmonious meditation retreat that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, providing a tranquil environment for reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to maximize interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates extensive glazing to foster visual connections with the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes multiple private bungalows to enhance personal reflection within a communal setting.

## Overview

The Meditation Camp design is situated within a natural landscape marked by expansive green spaces and mature trees, fostering an environment conducive to solitude and reflection. The project's intent revolves around the creation of a sanctuary for meditation and rest, promoting an inward focus for its occupants. Through a deliberate integration of existing structures with new construction, the design adheres to principles of minimalism and sustainability.

## Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

The project employs a diverse palette of materials that enhance both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. The new building features wood predominantly for its exterior cladding, providing a sense of warmth and texture, while stone from the existing structure imparts durability and thermal mass. Large glass openings in both the new and old buildings enable natural light to permeate the interiors and establish visual connections with the surrounding landscape. Concrete is utilized in structural elements for its strength, while steel is applied minimally to support the architectural framework, resulting in a refined, industrial aesthetic.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience

The site plan includes a well-considered arrangement of structures designed for both communal and individual activities. Key components include the Meditation House, which serves as a central space for group meditation, and private bungalows that emphasize solitude. An outdoor terrace connects the indoors with nature, while a sauna and a restaurant promote wellness and social interaction, respectively. The design also features irregularities in elevation, with diverse voids and solids that create visual interest and enhance airflow throughout the interiors. Key spaces, such as the Meditation Hall and library, focus on lightness and serenity, inviting occupants to engage in introspection and reflection.

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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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