Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Meditation retreat showcasing hemp insulation and thatch roofing for a harmonious integration with nature

Authors:
PIERRE FONSECA, LOIC LEMERCIER, CARLA CAUSSE, JULIEN PIDANCIER
Meditation retreat showcasing hemp insulation and thatch roofing for a harmonious integration with nature

Project in-detail

This meditation retreat features a thoughtful blend of circular pathways and natural materials such as hemp insulation and thatch roofing, creating a serene environment that fosters connection with nature and community.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The retreat incorporates hemp insulation for sustainable thermal performance, reducing environmental impact while ensuring comfort.
02
Thatch roofing was chosen not only for its insulation properties but also to maintain harmony with the surrounding rural landscape.
03
Circular pathways connect various meditation areas, promoting a thoughtful journey and enhancing the user's experience of mindfulness.
04
Six meditation cabins are arranged around a central gathering space, fostering both community interaction and personal contemplation.
05
Natural water features are integrated into the site design, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere and supporting local biodiversity.
The Mandalasana project is an architectural design that seamlessly integrates spirituality, communal interaction, and nature within its framework. This project stands as a representation of the principles of mindfulness and connection, drawing inspiration from the concept of a mandala. A mandala symbolizes the universe and the interconnectedness of human experiences, and this project encapsulates that essence through its spatial planning and design choices. The architecture manifests a thoughtful response to its environment, aiming to create spaces that facilitate both personal contemplation and communal gatherings.

The design serves multiple functions, engaging visitors in activities ranging from meditation to group events. Key to its purpose is a series of carefully designed pathways that meander through the site, creating connections between various functional areas. The intricate pathway system not only enhances navigation but also encourages users to slow down and engage with their surroundings, promoting a sense of awareness. Each step along the path is intended to be a mindful act, echoing the central themes rooted in yoga practice, which the name Mandalasana invokes.

Among the significant components of this architecture are the central communal spaces, which are designed to foster interaction and social cohesion. The structure designated as "the Barn" serves as a hub for communal life, maintaining its original character while incorporating modern conveniences. This thoughtful renovation preserves the barn’s historical significance while ensuring it meets the needs of contemporary users. Its open layout promotes a sense of togetherness, offering areas for group activities, workshops, and shared meals.

Adjacent to the Barn is a circular gathering space known as "the Circle," which encircles six meditation cabins. This clever arrangement cultivates intimacy, inviting users to partake in both social interaction and individual reflection. The design of the Circle encourages groups to come together in a shared experience while providing spaces for solitary contemplation amidst a vibrant natural setting.

At the end of the pathway lies "the Shrine," an elevated and secluded meditation space that invites introspection. This area opens organically to the sky, aligning with the architectural intent to maintain a strong connection to nature. By situating the Shrine at the pathway’s terminus, the design emphasizes a journey that culminates in a significant experience of peace and tranquility.

The choice of materials within Mandalasana is another critical aspect of the design. Bricks are utilized not only for their structural integrity but also for their aesthetic appeal, forming a comforting and warm environment. Hemp insulation enhances sustainability, contributing to the project’s objective of ecological mindfulness. Additionally, the use of wood provides a natural touch, both functionally and visually connecting users to the landscape. Thatch roofing not only offers insulation but also harmonizes the architectural forms with the surrounding rural environment.

The overall architectural outcome showcases a unique approach to modern design grounded in sustainability and respect for nature. The use of circular geometry throughout the project underscores the theme of weaving individual pathways into a larger community fabric, offering a design that resonates with principles of unity and interconnectedness.

Visitors interested in exploring the Mandalasana project further should delve into the architectural plans and sections that detail how these design ideas manifest into tangible experiences. By reviewing the various architectural designs, one can appreciate not just the aesthetics but the thoughtful intentions that guide the project. This exploration provides insights into how architecture can serve both community and individual needs, illustrating a holistic approach to design. Discover more about the Mandalasana project, and immerse yourself in the creative architectural ideas that make it a noteworthy exploration of thoughtful design.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy