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Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Create a Tranquil Retreat for Mindfulness Practice

Authors:
Tania Lecona, Luis Aguirre, Oswaldo Valverde, Ying Zhang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Create a Tranquil Retreat for Mindfulness Practice
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and robust stone, the retreat offers a serene environment for meditation while harmonizing contemporary design with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates communal meditation areas with private reflective spaces for varied practices.
05
Surrounds itself with carefully selected local flora, enhancing the connection to nature.

## Project Overview

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is situated in Latvia, characterized by its rich natural landscapes and cultural traditions. The intent of the design is to create a restorative environment dedicated to meditation and holistic wellness. The architecture incorporates various structural elements that connect the project’s historical context with contemporary design practices, aiming to facilitate a comprehensive meditative experience for its users.

### Spatial Configuration and Journey

The layout of the meditation camp is organized to reflect a progressive journey through meditative states. Spaces are categorized into stages, such as purification and transformation, guiding visitors through a contemplative experience. Key architectural elements include the historic barn, which serves as a connection to the past, contrasted by modern structures that embody forward-thinking design. Pathways are intentionally designed to promote movement and reflection, featuring natural landscaping that enhances the sensory experience of the site.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

A thoughtful selection of materials is central to the project’s ethos. The historic barn employs stone to convey stability, while glass in newer structures fosters transparency and a sense of connection to the environment. Wood elements provide warmth and comfort, harmonizing with the natural surroundings, whereas steel is used for structural integrity, offering a contemporary aesthetic. This material palette not only reflects the project's architectural vision but also emphasizes sustainability by utilizing local resources and minimizing ecological impact. The design's environmental responsiveness further contextualizes it within the Latvian landscape, promoting a dialogue between the built and natural environments.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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