Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Construction in a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Author:
Lucy Wang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Construction in a Tranquil Meditation Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the meditation retreat offers a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and sustainable materials, creating a serene environment for reflection and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced stone, ensuring minimal transportation impact.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and warmth.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and views.
05
Adaptively reuses existing structures to preserve cultural heritage and reduce waste.

**Project Overview**
The Vidzeme Stone Barn Meditation Camp is situated in a tranquil rural area of Latvia, designed to address contemporary requirements for reflection and tranquility. The project integrates traditional building methodologies with modern design sensibilities, establishing a connection between historical and contemporary architectural practices while promoting a deep engagement with the surrounding natural environment.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**
The architectural layout prioritizes a strong relationship with the landscape, facilitating visual and physical interactions with natural elements. Accommodation spaces are arranged for privacy, while communal areas, including dining and meditation halls, encourage social interaction among users. The design enhances the overall user experience by creating a natural flow between private and group environments, supporting both individual contemplation and community engagement.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The design incorporates a thoughtful selection of materials to enhance functionality and aesthetic coherence. Natural stone forms the basis of the facades, drawing on the region's agricultural heritage, while wood is utilized for framing, adding warmth and context. Concrete elements provide necessary structural stability. This choice of materials emphasizes sustainability by using local sources, thereby minimizing transportation emissions and fostering an ecological approach to construction. The project also respects and adapts existing structures, contributing to a narrative of heritage preservation within a contemporary framework.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in