Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Dome Structure Featuring Hollow Wooden Bricks and Natural Light in a Tranquil Meditation Camp

Author:
Yun Zhang
Dome Structure Featuring Hollow Wooden Bricks and Natural Light in a Tranquil Meditation Camp

Project in-detail

With its dome-shaped meditation room illuminated by skylights and constructed using hollow wooden bricks that enhance insulation and sustainability, this meditation camp serves as a serene retreat for individuals seeking tranquility and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The meditation camp features a dome structure that maximizes natural light through strategically placed skylights.
02
Hollow wooden bricks used in construction are filled with locally sourced soil for improved thermal insulation.
03
The design incorporates an excavated rainwater pool that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.
04
Greenhouse benches allow for indoor growing of native plants, reinforcing sustainability principles.
05
The roof's configuration utilizes solar panels to enhance energy efficiency while blending aesthetically with the architecture.
The proposed architectural project represents a meditation camp designed to foster introspection, mindfulness, and community engagement. It is conceived as a harmonious integration of built environments and natural surroundings, aimed at promoting wellness through architecture that supports both individual solitude and collective activities. The primary function of this camp is to serve as a tranquil retreat where individuals can immerse themselves in practices such as meditation, yoga, and holistic living, providing them with the necessary facilities to deepen their experiences and connections with themselves and others.

The architecture is characterized by two identical building forms, symbolically reflecting the dual aspects of personal meditation and community interaction. This symmetry not only facilitates efficient space utilization but also highlights the importance of balance in life and nature. The design creates distinct areas for communal gathering, individual reflection, and residential needs, all interconnected through thoughtfully designed pathways that enhance circulation while maintaining a meditative atmosphere.

A noteworthy aspect of the project is the emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness. The use of hollow wooden bricks filled with site-excavated soil presents a resource-efficient building method that also provides natural insulation, reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the incorporation of wooden A-frames and concrete beams further supports the structure while maintaining an aesthetic that aligns with the overall philosophy of the camp.

The architectural design prominently features large windows and glass panels, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and allowing natural light to flood interiors. This connection to the outdoors fosters a sense of openness and tranquility, essential for the meditative experience. The dome-like structure of the meditation room, enhanced by skylights, further deepens this connection, providing an inviting and intimate space for contemplation while maximizing the benefits of natural light.

Unique design approaches are employed throughout the project to enhance its functionality while embracing environmental responsibility. The artificial water pool serves as a multifunctional element that not only contributes to aesthetic appeal but also cultivates a sustainable approach by acting as a rainwater reservoir. This innovative use of water emphasizes the value of local resources while providing practical benefits for the facility.

The landscaping accompanying the architecture is intentionally designed to include native vegetation, aiming to reinforce ecological balance and reduce maintenance needs. The integration of green spaces not only enhances the aesthetic experience but also promotes biodiversity within the environment.

Sustainability extends to energy use as well, with solar panels strategically positioned on the roofs to harness renewable energy and lessen reliance on external power sources. Additionally, a geothermal heating system is included to maintain comfortable interior temperatures without compromising environmental values.

The meditation camp project represents a thoughtful response to the growing need for spaces that nurture mindfulness and well-being within a community context. Its careful architectural planning ensures that users can enjoy both solitude and social interaction in an environment that prioritizes natural harmony. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and innovative functionality, the design reflects a commitment to responsible architecture.

To explore the project further, readers are encouraged to look deeper into its architectural plans, sections, and various design elements that illustrate the intricate relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings. This comprehensive examination will provide valuable insights into the architectural ideas that shape this meditation camp, highlighting its contributions to contemporary design practices focused on health, wellness, and ecological integrity.
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