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Meditation Retreat Crafted From Local Stone and Timber With Passive Ventilation Features

Authors:
Michael MacNeill, Joseph Zhang, Justin Lewis
Meditation Retreat Crafted From Local Stone and Timber With Passive Ventilation Features

Project in-detail

Crafted with locally sourced stone and timber, this meditation retreat integrates flexible spaces and passive ventilation to create a serene environment for mindfulness and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from locally sourced materials, enhancing its environmental integration.
02
Incorporates passive solar design principles to optimize energy efficiency year-round.
03
Silence chambers are strategically placed for individual meditation and reflection.
04
Pavilions are designed to represent specific yoga poses, merging functionality with symbolism.
05
The camp layout allows for flexible space utilization, accommodating various group sizes.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural project designed to foster mindfulness and meditation practices, situated in Latvia. This project embodies an integration of nature and built environment, using architectural forms influenced by yoga. The spatial organization is designed to reflect yoga poses, creating an environment conducive to individual and group meditation.

This camp serves multiple functions, including communal spaces for group activities as well as private areas for personal reflection. The design accommodates various meditation practices while promoting a connection to the surrounding landscape. The structure features a mixture of spacious areas for group sessions and smaller, intimate spaces dedicated to reflection and individual meditation.

Materiality is a key aspect of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp. The primary materials include locally sourced stone and timber, which provide a natural connection to the environment. The use of brick enhances the thermal efficiency of the structures, while large expanses of glass invite natural light and allow for visual continuity with the outdoors. The architectural design promotes sustainability through the incorporation of photovoltaic glass, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing ecological impact.

Unique Design Approaches

A distinguishing characteristic of this project is its reflection of yoga poses in the architectural language. Each pavilion symbolizes a specific pose, providing not only functional spaces but also visual representations of meditation principles. The slanted roof forms emulate the upward-facing dog pose, contributing to the overall aesthetic while enhancing natural lighting.

The design layout consists of a three-level organization. The first floor encompasses communal spaces, designed for group activities, while the second and third floors house guest accommodations. This layered approach allows for the separation of public and private functions while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the camp.

Special attention has been given to creating a strong relationship between the structure and the landscape. The meditation garden serves as a crucial element of this design, providing an outdoor area for contemplation and connection to nature. Additionally, silence chambers are strategically interspersed throughout the site, offering secluded spaces for individuals seeking a deeper meditative experience.

Functional Aspects

The architectural design incorporates passive ventilation and thermal control strategies, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment year-round. The use of movable walls within communal spaces allows for flexible configurations, accommodating various group sizes and activities. This adaptability enhances the user experience and underscores the project’s commitment to addressing diverse meditation practices.

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp stands out as a thoughtful integration of architecture and mindfulness, promoting well-being through its design. To explore this project in further detail, including architectural plans, sections, and specific design ideas, readers are encouraged to review the comprehensive project presentation.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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