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Floating Meditation Platform Crafted From Local Timber and Stone in a Sustainable Retreat Setting

Authors:
Michael Kluck, Traci Ambrose
Floating Meditation Platform Crafted From Local Timber and Stone in a Sustainable Retreat Setting

Project in-detail

A floating meditation platform constructed from local timber and stone enhances the serene landscape of a sustainable retreat designed for community wellness and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
A floating meditation platform allows for unique engagement with the surrounding water.
02
The structure is constructed with locally sourced timber to minimize environmental impact.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinct aesthetic.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems support sustainable resource management.
05
Secluded meditation areas are strategically designed to maximize tranquility.

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is located in the Latvian countryside, designed as a retreat that emphasizes ecotourism and sustainability. The project aims to provide a space for mindfulness, wellness, and community engagement through activities such as meditation and yoga. Central to the layout is the historic Barn, dating back to 1875, which connects the camp’s contemporary features to the region's agricultural heritage while fostering a sense of continuity and place.

### Spatial Organization

The camp's design incorporates a series of interconnected buildings that engage with the surrounding landscape. The orientation of these structures enhances views of the nearby river and canal, promoting an immersive natural experience. Key spaces include a dedicated Meditation Center, a variety of guest accommodations for diverse needs, and communal areas such as the Firepit-Gathering Area and the Vegetable Garden, which facilitate social interaction among visitors.

### Material Selection

Material choices are crucial in reflecting the camp's sustainable ethos. Locally sourced timber serves as a primary structural element, establishing a connection with regional resources. The Camp's Barn features a stone facade that showcases traditional Latvian architecture, contributing permanence to the design. Expansive glass windows are incorporated to maximize natural light and connection with the environment, while solar roof shingles enhance energy efficiency in line with sustainable practices. Additionally, the camp employs systems for rainwater harvesting and natural waste processing, supporting its commitment to environmental stewardship.

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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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