Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles And Regional Materials Create A Mindful Retreat In The Latvian Landscape

Authors:
Alexander Bowman, Daniel Williams, Yoonah Noh, Elio Ernesto
Charred Wooden Shingles And Regional Materials Create A Mindful Retreat In The Latvian Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and local materials, the meditation camp harmonizes with the Latvian landscape to offer a serene retreat for reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal while promoting fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for flexible, modular design that supports sustainable construction practices.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes structural integrity and allows for expansive interior spaces.
04
Preserves approximately 92.4 percent of the surrounding landscape, emphasizing a commitment to ecological conservation.
05
Merges local materials and traditional Latvian architectural elements to create a sense of place and cultural connection.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural project set within the serene landscapes of Latvia, designed to serve as a tranquil retreat focusing on meditation and self-reflection. This project represents a thoughtful intersection of architecture and nature, aiming to create an environment that enhances personal well-being while minimizing ecological impact. The facility is crafted to be a haven for eco-tourism, inviting visitors to engage deeply with the surrounding landscape while fostering a sense of community and mindfulness.

Functionally, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp serves multiple purposes, including communal gathering spaces, private meditation areas, and residential cabins for overnight stays. At its heart lies the renovated barn, which acts as the main hub for activities and interactions. The barn's design integrates traditional Latvian architecture with modern sensibilities, featuring an innovative envelope that allows natural light to permeate the interior while providing a visual connection to the rich surroundings. This central feature not only offers essential amenities but also reinforces the camp's purpose as a place for quiet contemplation and communal experiences.

Surrounding the barn are meditation frames, which serve both functional and aesthetic roles. These structures guide visitors through the natural landscape, creating pathways for meditation and reflection. Each frame is carefully positioned to frame beautiful vistas, encouraging a harmonious relationship with the environment. The architecture emphasizes transparency, with generous use of glass that invites the outside in and promotes a sense of openness.

Residential cabins are designed as private retreats, embodying a unique form that mirrors the barn while providing individual spaces for meditation and rest. These cabana-like structures prioritize simplicity and comfort, enhancing the overall experience of staying at the camp. The architectural design of these cabins ensures that they blend seamlessly into the landscape, respecting the natural elements while providing a comfortable retreat for guests.

The sauna and event field add another layer to the camp's offerings. The sauna contributes to the overall wellness experience, offering a space for relaxation and social interaction. The event field is adaptable, suitable for various gatherings and workshops that may arise, thus enhancing the camp's role as a multifaceted retreat.

Throughout the Stone Barn Meditation Camp, unique design approaches underscore a commitment to sustainability and respect for local traditions. The project employs a minimal building footprint, with a dedication to preserving a significant portion of the natural landscape. Approximately 92.4 percent of the area remains untouched, ensuring that the camp respects its ecological context. The use of local materials, including wood, mortar, glass, and steel, not only ties the architecture to its cultural setting but also emphasizes sustainable resource use.

The architecture of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp stands out due to its careful balance between functionality and the surrounding landscape. The designs reflect a conscious effort to promote mindfulness and tranquility, aligning perfectly with the camp's purpose. By prioritizing modularity, the architecture allows for flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that the structures meet the evolving needs of the users while minimizing their environmental footprint.

For those interested in exploring the details of this project further, examining the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas can offer deeper insights into the thoughtful considerations that shaped this unique retreat. The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is a reflective exploration of place, purpose, and sustainability, and encourages all to engage with its architectural narrative.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy