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Meditation Retreat Featuring Locally Sourced Stone and Sustainable Timber Construction

Author:
Ksenia Polyakova
Meditation Retreat Featuring Locally Sourced Stone and Sustainable Timber Construction

Project in-detail

Nestled within a serene landscape, this meditation retreat harmoniously blends locally sourced stone and warm pine plywood, creating tranquil spaces designed for introspection and community connection while emphasizing sustainability and natural integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The retreat incorporates a rainwater drainage system designed to manage local rainfall effectively while promoting sustainability.
02
A communal vegetable garden is integrated into the landscape, enhancing self-sufficiency and connections among guests.
03
Natural stone sourced from the surrounding area provides a unique and locally relevant aesthetic for the building's exterior.
04
The use of bamboo weaving in interior spaces adds a handcrafted texture that reflects cultural influences and natural elements.
05
Large glass panels are strategically positioned to optimize natural light and create seamless connections with the exterior environment.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural project that embodies a thoughtful integration of design with its natural surroundings in Latvia. This project is conceived as a sanctuary where individuals can engage in meditation and reflection, promoting both personal well-being and communal harmony. The camp fulfills its function by providing tranquil spaces that cater to meditation practices, while also fostering interaction among attendees in shared areas.

At its core, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp represents a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. It emphasizes sustainability and self-sufficiency, embodying a commitment to ecological principles through its use of local materials and innovative design solutions. The project revels in its simplicity, favoring an approach that prioritizes environmental respect and user experience.

The building layout consists of various distinct zones, including a meditation room designed specifically for quiet contemplation, communal living spaces that encourage social interaction, a well-equipped kitchen, and sleeping quarters. The layout ensures that guests can easily navigate between these areas while still promoting a sense of privacy and personal space. Central to the design is a gabled roof that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also efficiently manages rainwater, showcasing a design consideration that reflects an understanding of local climate conditions.

One of the project's unique design approaches is its material selection. The architects utilized a combination of pine plywood for its warmth and inviting texture, natural stone for durability and a grounded feel, large glass panels to maximize natural light, and lightweight metal structures for necessary support without overwhelming the visual aspect of the design. The inclusion of bamboo weaving in interiors further enriches the texture and tactile experience of the spaces, highlighting a commitment to both craft and material authenticity.

The outdoor environment is carefully curated to add to the experience of the camp. Surrounding green spaces are designed not only for aesthetic pleasure but also for practical purposes, such as a vegetable garden that supports self-sufficiency. Paths meander through the landscape, promoting outdoor contemplation and fostering a greater connection with nature.

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp distinguishes itself through this blend of architectural functionality and environmental consciousness. The designers have approached the project with a focus on minimizing the ecological footprint while maximizing the quality of life for its inhabitants. By thoughtfully considering aspects such as materiality, spatial organization, and environmental integration, the project creates a space that serves both individual needs and community interactions.

For those interested in exploring the nuances of this project further, it would be beneficial to delve into the architectural plans and sections which provide greater insight into the design processes and ideas that shape the Stone Barn Meditation Camp. The architectural designs reflect a comprehensive understanding of how built environments can effectively support spiritual practices and communal living without disconnecting from their natural context. As you continue to explore this project presentation, you will uncover a wealth of information that speaks to its thoughtful conception and execution in the realm of architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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