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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.

The Ex-Tension Stone Barn Meditation Camp is a thoughtfully designed architectural project located in a serene environment aimed at providing a dedicated space for meditation, relaxation, and community engagement. This retreat center focuses on integrating architecture with the natural landscape, fostering an immersive experience for users. By prioritizing harmony with nature, the project effectively serves as a sanctuary that encourages mindfulness and personal reflection.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the key aspects of this project is its emphasis on adaptive reuse, particularly in the renovation of a historical stone barn. This approach preserves the existing structure while enhancing its functionality for modern use. The barn is transformed into a multifunctional space that accommodates recreational and community activities, illustrating a respect for historical context while ensuring contemporary needs are met.

The meditation hall stands out due to its use of natural materials and intentional design that promotes tranquility. Large windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light, creating a connection between indoors and outdoors. This design facilitates an environment conducive to meditation by incorporating elements that engage the senses—such as views of the landscape and natural sounds resonating from the surrounding environment.

Sustainable Practices and Community Focus

The project's design incorporates sustainable practices that emphasize environmental stewardship and community involvement. The layout includes agricultural areas where users can participate in farming activities, reinforcing principles of sustainability and connection to nature. The pathways throughout the site are intentionally designed to encourage exploration, allowing visitors to move freely between meditation spaces, recreational areas, and private accommodations.

In addition, accommodations are designed with privacy in mind, offering a retreat-like experience while also promoting community interaction. Each lodging unit features private terraces that provide views of the natural surroundings, reinforcing the project’s focus on tranquility and reflection.

The Ex-Tension Stone Barn Meditation Camp exemplifies an architectural initiative that integrates lasting design with environmental consciousness. The project invites users to engage with both the built environment and the natural world, facilitating personal growth and communal experiences. For further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, please review the detailed project presentation to gain deeper insights into its innovative approach.

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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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