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Masonry Transformation with a Central Waterwheel for Community Meditation

Authors:
Sarah Wan, Aidan Doyle
Masonry Transformation with a Central Waterwheel for Community Meditation

Project in-detail

A central waterwheel drives the design of a renovated masonry barn, providing energy and a focal point for a serene retreat dedicated to meditation and community connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central waterwheel integrates energy generation with design.
02
Guest rooms are arranged in a semi-circle to enhance landscape views.
03
The courtyard is designed specifically for outdoor meditation.
04
A large attic space in the Main Event Hall connects users with nature.
05
Restoration preserves the barn's historical masonry while adapting its function.

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is a project that reimagines a historic sawmill as a space for meditation and community interaction. Set in a tranquil landscape, the design focuses on preserving the barn's historic features while adapting it for contemporary use. The goal is to create an environment that promotes peace and well-being.

Architectural Concept

The design incorporates a water wheel that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It generates energy and acts as a focal point in the camp, inviting visitors to connect with nature. Guest rooms are arranged in a semi-circle around the water wheel, allowing each room to offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This arrangement enhances the experience of calm for residents.

Spatial Organization

In terms of layout, the camp prioritizes areas for reflection and social interaction. A courtyard surrounds the water wheel, designed to be a quiet space for contemplation away from more active areas. The Main Event Hall, located on the upper level, features a high ceiling that creates a connection to the outdoors. This versatile space supports various gatherings while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Functional Areas

The ground level includes practical spaces like storage, restrooms, and an office. Communal areas, including kitchens and dining rooms, encourage guest interaction. A fireplace serves as a central feature, providing warmth and comfort while fostering a sense of community within the camp.

Design Detail

The existing masonry of the barn is a key element in the design, particularly in restoring the fireplace and hearth. This choice preserves the barn's historical character and creates a link to the past. As a result, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp successfully balances its new purpose with the legacy of its history.

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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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