Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enveloping a Meditation Space Amidst a Serene Landscape

Authors:
Bayu Abimanyu, Praisella Hatijanto, Antonius Prathama, Jacky Theodore
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enveloping a Meditation Space Amidst a Serene Landscape

Project in-detail

Enveloped in cross-laminated timber panels and surrounded by a harmonious landscape, the design offers a tranquil sanctuary for meditation that deepens the connection between nature and inner peace.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features a meditation room with customizable light conditions through vertical wood slats.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used for exterior cladding, enhancing sustainability and fire resistance.
03
An innovative bent A-frame design allows for increased spatial flexibility and unique visual appeal.
04
Tiered seating areas promote communal interaction while providing individual reflection zones.
05
The project integrates seamlessly with its landscape, utilizing local materials to minimize ecological impact.
The architectural project titled "Body & Mind" exemplifies a thoughtful integration of design, function, and a deep connection to nature. Situated in a tranquil wooded setting reminiscent of the Latvian forest, this project serves as a retreat focused on the themes of meditation and well-being. The central concept revolves around creating spaces that enhance both physical and mental health, highlighting how architecture can foster introspection and relaxation.

At its core, "Body & Mind" represents a sanctuary where users can engage in practices that benefit their body and mind. The design embodies a harmonious balance between structured environments and natural elements, emphasizing a peaceful coexistence with the surrounding landscape. Each space within the structure is purposefully designed to cater to specific activities—be they meditative, social, or restorative—demonstrating a nuanced understanding of human behavior and the beneficial impact of architecture on mental wellness.

The layout of the project features a central meditation room, designed as a transitional area connecting the themes of body, mind, and soul. The room employs wooden partitions to filter light, thereby creating an inviting atmosphere that varies with the passage of time. Surrounding this focal space are rooms designed for various interactive activities that encourage both mental engagement and physical movement. The arrangement of these spaces allows users to transition seamlessly from one activity to another, reinforcing the idea of a holistic approach to well-being.

In terms of materiality, "Body & Mind" leverages a thoughtful selection of materials that contribute to the overall experience of the project. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, ensuring durability while allowing for clean lines and a modern aesthetic. Wood plays a significant role as well, featured prominently in partitions and surface finishes, establishing a connection to the forest environment that envelops the structure. This choice of materials not only creates a warm and inviting ambiance but also reflects an environmental sensitivity that aligns with the project's intent.

Glass is utilized strategically within the design to enhance visibility and foster a connection between the interior and exterior. This transparency allows natural light to permeate the spaces, enriching the sensory experience while maintaining necessary privacy. Each material is selected not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its capacity to contribute to wellness, making the architecture a fundamental part of the experience rather than merely a backdrop.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The meditation chamber, with its unique semicircular form, distinguishes itself through the use of vertical wood slats that create varying light conditions. This innovative approach ensures that the space can adapt to different times of the day, enhancing the meditative experience through dynamic lighting. Additionally, tiered seating areas and interactive partitions facilitate both communal interactions and personal retreats, encouraging users to explore their own relationships with space and mindfulness.

The landscaping surrounding the structure further enhances its integration with nature. A thoughtfully designed garden, featuring meandering pathways and diverse plantings, invites exploration and reflection. This landscape design creates functional outdoor areas that support the architectural goals of the project, promoting a sense of connection to the natural world and encouraging users to engage with their environment on a deeper level.

Overall, "Body & Mind" stands as a compelling example of how architecture can embody the principles of mindfulness and well-being. The project functions not just as a physical space but as an experience that encourages individuals to pause, reflect, and engage with both themselves and their surroundings. This commitment to a holistic approach to design is what makes the project noteworthy within the realm of contemporary architecture.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the architectural principles and design philosophies that informed this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide valuable insights. Engaging with these elements promises to enhance appreciation for how "Body & Mind" navigates the complexities of space, materiality, and human experience in a beautifully cohesive manner.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy