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Meditation Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Nature-Integrated Setting

Author:
Bo-Sheng You
Meditation Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles in a Nature-Integrated Setting

Project in-detail

Nestled within the tranquil landscape of Latvia, this meditation retreat uniquely combines cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles to create a serene environment that seamlessly merges with nature, offering spaces for both communal reflection and personal solace.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels, ensuring sustainability and a minimal carbon footprint.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for weather resistance, providing both aesthetic appeal and durability in the local climate.
03
The bent A-frame structure allows for enhanced acoustic properties, creating a conducive environment for meditation practices.
04
A dedicated meditation garden is designed to support biodiversity, featuring native plants that promote local wildlife habitats.
05
Integrated natural light design utilizes large glass facades, allowing for panoramic views while minimizing the need for artificial lighting.
The project under analysis, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp, showcases thoughtful architectural design set in the natural landscape of Latvia. This structure exemplifies a harmonious balance between built form and its environment, designed to serve as a dedicated space for meditation and reflection. It represents not only a physical location but also an approach to well-being, merging concepts of mindfulness with nature.

The primary function of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp is to provide a sanctuary for individuals seeking a respite from the demands of everyday life. It is structured to encourage various forms of meditation, whether in solitude or as part of a community experience. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces fosters both individual contemplation and group activities, responding to the diverse needs of its users.

Integral components of the design include accommodations that offer private retreat spaces, ensuring visitors have the opportunity to disengage and reflect in tranquility. The meditation hall serves as a central gathering place, facilitating group sessions and communal experiences that promote connection among participants. Carefully designed gardens enhance the aesthetic appeal and connect the built environment to the natural elements surrounding the camp. The meditation garden, positioned away from the primary facilities, provides a serene setting for personal reflection amid nature.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in its emphasis on sustainability and integration with the existing landscape. The architecture utilizes materials that resonate with local construction traditions—wood, concrete, and glass—each carefully chosen to reflect both cultural significance and environmental responsibility. Wood serves not only as a structural element but also contributes warmth to the atmosphere, inviting users to feel at home. Concrete provides necessary stability while connecting the architectural form to the earth, and glass allows for an abundance of natural light, promoting a sense of openness and transparency.

The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is another distinctive feature of the design, encouraging users to traverse seamlessly between nature and the built environment. This thoughtful planning enhances the therapeutic aspect of meditation by allowing users to engage with their surroundings actively, whether through gardening, walking trails, or quiet contemplation by the stream.

Moreover, the overall layout of the camp demonstrates a commitment to fostering community while preserving the individual experience. The careful zoning of spaces allows for both communal activities and private moments of reflection, emphasizing the understanding that meditation can be both a shared and solitary journey.

For those interested in exploring the architectural nuances of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp, further examination of its architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide deeper insights into this well-conceived project. By reviewing these elements, one can gain a better understanding of how architecture can serve as a medium for healing and connection, ultimately enriching the user experience.
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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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