Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Hempcrete Chalets Nestled in Latvians' Natural Landscape for Mindfulness Retreats

Authors:
Eva Babuliaková, Matej Babuliak, Soňa Havlíková
Hempcrete Chalets Nestled in Latvians' Natural Landscape for Mindfulness Retreats

Project in-detail

Constructed with hempcrete and reclaimed timber, the meditation retreat integrates seamlessly into Latvia's landscape, providing serene accommodations designed for mindfulness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using hempcrete for enhanced thermal efficiency and sustainability.
02
Reclaimed timber provides structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Meditation platforms are strategically positioned for privacy and nature immersion.
04
Hydroelectric power system utilizes local water sources for renewable energy.
05
Incorporates communal gardens to foster community engagement and education.

**Project Overview**
Located in the natural landscape of Latvia, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp serves as a retreat designed to promote meditation and relaxation while integrating sustainable practices. The camp aims to create a tranquil environment where visitors can reconnect with nature, reflecting the region's rich forests and ecosystems. The design is informed by traditional Latvian aesthetics, incorporating modern techniques to enhance functionality and user experience.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration
The layout of the camp is organized into distinct zones that separate accommodation, meditation areas, and agricultural facilities while preserving visual and spatial connections. The central building serves as a communal hub for gatherings and wellness activities, featuring a reception area, restaurant, and wellness facilities. Individual chalets are strategically positioned among the trees and alongside the creek, providing private, immersive experiences in nature. Each accommodation is self-sufficient, utilizing solar energy and rainwater collection systems.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The selection of materials prioritizes environmental responsibility and local heritage. Key materials include stone for structural elements, reclaimed wood for flooring and decorative features, and hempcrete for its eco-friendly insulation properties. Large glass windows and sliding doors enhance natural light and connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Steel frames provide long-lasting stability. Notably, hempcrete's low carbon emissions and reclaimed wood's integration into the design minimize waste while adding historical context, emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainability.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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