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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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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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