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Elevated Stone Structures Embracing Nature with Glass Facades and Native Vegetation

Authors:
Sean Abar, Shamim Khosravi-Vamakani
Elevated Stone Structures Embracing Nature with Glass Facades and Native Vegetation

Project in-detail

Elevated structures of local stone and extensive glass facades seamlessly blend with the natural landscape, creating a tranquil environment dedicated to meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structures allow for natural interaction with wildlife and sound.
02
Extensive use of glass façades enhances natural light and views.
03
Integration of native vegetation as part of the shading system.
04
Local stone construction connects the retreat to its historical context.
05
A blended communal and private space layout supports diverse retreat activities.

### Overview

Situated in Vidzeme, Latvia, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp, known as "Solitude," is designed to provide a serene retreat for individuals seeking an escape from urban life. The project is thoughtfully integrated into its natural surroundings, reflecting the local context and cultural heritage while offering a tranquil environment conducive to meditation and introspection. This architectural approach emphasizes a respectful dialogue between built form and nature.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The retreat features a comprehensive layout of interconnected structures that promotes both privacy and community interaction. Distinct zones cater to various functions, including private areas for meditation and communal spaces that invite social engagement. The original barn structure has been preserved to serve as a central gathering point, complemented by contemporary glazed facades that facilitate a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. Elevating the primary accommodation buildings enhances views of the landscape while allowing for natural ventilation and interaction with surrounding wildlife.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The design prioritizes the use of local materials, including stone for structural walls and wood for interior finishes, contributing to the project's authenticity and connection to the site. Glass is extensively used to create transparent boundaries that connect spaces visually while allowing natural light to permeate interiors. Sustainability is a core consideration; features such as green roofs and natural shading systems made from climbing plants enhance energy efficiency and reduce the ecological footprint. This integrative approach maintains thermal comfort within the structures and ensures that the development operates harmoniously within its ecosystem.

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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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