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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Unite to Create Mindful Retreat Spaces

Authors:
Rony Zgheib, Rodrigue Safi, x x, x x
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Unite to Create Mindful Retreat Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the design creates a seamless connection between built environments and the natural landscape, facilitating a retreat for meditation and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stone to enhance environmental integration.
02
Features adaptive reuse of a historic barn, preserving its original character.
03
Incorporates extensive natural light through large strategically placed windows.
04
Includes private terraces with views to encourage personal reflection.
05
Offers integrated agricultural areas for hands-on user engagement with sustainability.

### Project Overview

Ex-Tension Stone Barn Meditation Camp is located in a tranquil setting designed to serve as a holistic retreat center. The project aims to facilitate meditation, relaxation, and environmental engagement. The design philosophy highlights a connection between natural elements and the user experience, reinforcing the idea that nature can impart valuable lessons.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The planning of the camp emphasizes a balanced relationship between natural and constructed environments. Key facilities include a meditation hall, renovated barn, accommodation lodges, and recreational areas, all oriented to foster well-being. The architecture is purposefully designed to enhance mindfulness and create an experiential journey through various spaces.

The meditation hall functions as the core space for gatherings, utilizing modern yet subdued materials to harmonize with the landscape. The renovated barn maintains its historical attributes while accommodating multifunctional needs, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Accommodation units designed for privacy feature amenities like private terraces, ensuring comfort and a connection to the outdoors. Walkways interlink different zones, guiding users through areas of reflection, experimentation, and recreation.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

A thoughtful selection of materials plays a crucial role in the project, fostering a connection to the surrounding environment. Local stone is employed in the barn restoration for its timeless character, while wood is prominently used throughout the meditation hall and accommodations, adding warmth. Glass elements allow natural light to enhance the interiors, bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces. Steel framing supports modern structural needs while complementing rustic features.

Environmental integration is central to the design approach, incorporating water features and greenery to bolster biodiversity. The restoration of existing structures aligns with sustainable practices, effectively reducing the carbon footprint. This holistic strategy promotes conservation and respect for the natural landscape.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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