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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

Project in-detail

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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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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