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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Nature-Focused Meditation Retreat

Author:
Bo-Sheng You
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Nature-Focused Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels, this meditation retreat merges sustainable materials with a design that emphasizes tranquility and connection to nature, fostering an environment conducive to reflection and mindfulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration.
02
Incorporates extensive glass elements to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that promotes structural efficiency and distinctive visual appeal.
04
Integrates private retreats designed for personal contemplation within a communal environment.
05
Emphasizes sustainability through the use of cross-laminated timber panels and energy-efficient construction methods.

## Overview

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is located in downtown Latvia, designed as a retreat for individuals pursuing physical and spiritual relaxation through meditation. The project aims to offer an escape from the urban environment, allowing for a deeper connection with nature. The architectural approach emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and its surroundings, fostering an atmosphere conducive to self-reflection and well-being.

## Site Layout and User Interaction

The site layout is intentionally designed to promote connectivity with nature, incorporating various pathways and open spaces that encourage exploration and engagement. Key features include an expansive main garden that serves as a tranquil area for meditation, as well as private retreat spaces for individual contemplation. The meditation hall is designed with large openings for natural light while maintaining privacy through carefully planned landscaping. These elements are integrated to enhance the visitor experience, allowing for immersive interaction with the natural landscape.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The materials chosen for the camp reflect a commitment to sustainability and a respect for the local context. Predominantly featuring wood, the design echoes Latvia's architectural heritage while also promoting environmental responsibility. Glass elements are incorporated to foster transparency and facilitate views of the surrounding nature, while concrete is utilized for its durability in foundational aspects. The inclusion of locally sourced stone elements reinforces the project's permanence and connection to the area’s geological features. This focus on materiality not only supports environmental initiatives but also reinforces the holistic wellness philosophy central to the camp's purpose.

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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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