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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
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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.

### Project Overview

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is located in Latvia and is designed to support meditation practices, particularly yoga. The layout incorporates six distinct yoga poses, creating spaces that not only facilitate various activities but also enhance the meditative experience. The design merges traditional architectural forms with contemporary sustainable principles.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The project emphasizes flexibility and tranquility, essential elements for meditation. Each pavilion is inspired by a specific yoga pose, establishing a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature. The hierarchical structure of the camp allows for adaptability, catering to changing user needs while optimizing functionality.

The three-floor organization features distinct layouts: the first floor houses community spaces for group practices, while the second and third floors provide guest accommodations designed for both privacy and communal interaction. Movable walls and adaptable partitions enable dynamic uses of the internal spaces, ensuring that the design remains responsive to the needs of users.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials reflects both durability and connection to the environment. Stone serves as the primary external material, providing a natural aesthetic, while wood is used for roofing and structural elements, imparting warmth and enhancing the tactile experience. Brick is incorporated for its thermal properties, aligning with the traditional architectural context of Latvia.

Sustainable practices are a keystone of the design, which features photovoltaic glass for energy efficiency and passive systems to reduce energy consumption. These initiatives utilize local materials, minimizing transportation emissions. Natural light and ventilation are emphasized through strategic design choices, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate while fostering an engaging sensory experience.

In addition, outdoor areas such as the meditation garden and silence chambers are integral to the project, promoting introspection and mental well-being through direct interaction with nature. These features enhance the overall user experience, supporting the objectives of the camp in creating a nurturing environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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