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 Utilizing Charred Timber and Interactive Acoustic Environments

Authors:
Vincent Ribeiro, Alex Galante, Albert Chao, Lisa Ramsburg
Meditation Retreat Utilizing Charred Timber and Interactive Acoustic Environments

Project in-detail

Nestled in the tranquil landscape of Ozolini Farm, this meditation retreat features compact living units clad in charred wood, a raised contemplation space with a circular skylight, and interactive acoustic environments, all designed to create a profound connection with nature while enhancing personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The retreat's mediation hut features a circular skylight designed to maximize natural light while creating a dynamic connection with the shifting patterns of the day.
02
Charred wood cladding not only enhances durability but also provides an aesthetic that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape.
03
Each modular living unit is optimized for flexibility in use, allowing for various activities from work to relaxation within a compact footprint.
04
Interactive soundscapes are incorporated into the design, promoting tranquility and enhancing the overall meditative experience through auditory engagement with the environment.
05
Tertiary circulation paths guide visitors through diverse natural settings, encouraging mindful exploration and personal reflection along their journey.
The project under analysis represents a thoughtful architectural design aimed at reconnecting individuals with nature while fostering a sense of community and introspection. Nestled in the scenic landscape of Ozolini Farm, the design integrates natural and built environments harmoniously, facilitating various functions centered around well-being and creativity. The architecture not only serves functional needs but also embodies ideas that promote mental wellness and social cohesion.

At the heart of this project is a pathway, a design element that guides visitors through multiple zones, each crafted to evoke different experiences. This pathway is more than a physical route; it symbolizes a journey of personal discovery. It masterfully divides the space into distinct areas for work, reflection, and communal interaction, allowing visitors to engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way. By encouraging movement through different environmental settings, the design fosters a sensory experience, inviting users to connect with nature and themselves.

The project incorporates several architectural elements that play crucial roles in its functionality. Modular live/work spaces have been designed with versatility in mind. Constructed predominantly from charred local wood, these units blend seamlessly with the natural landscape while ensuring durability. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability, with an emphasis on using locally sourced elements to minimize ecological impact. Additionally, the meditation spaces, highlighted by a circular skylight, invite natural light to flood the interiors, enhancing a serene atmosphere ideal for contemplation.

Unique design approaches are evident in the careful consideration of spatial relationships and circulation. The layout encourages slow navigation through lush surroundings, promoting a mindful engagement with the environment. The integration of rotating steel doors exemplifies an innovative take on transitional space, allowing occupants to manipulate light and sound according to their preferences. This flexibility enhances the user experience, making the space functional for various activities—be it meditation, work, or community gatherings.

The architectural design also includes features such as small storage spaces, cleverly tucked beneath tables and platforms, to maintain organization while optimizing space. Radiant floor heating systems contribute to an inviting indoor climate during colder months, showcasing a holistic understanding of user comfort in design. Furthermore, concrete sculptural elements provide stable foundations while contributing to the aesthetic character of the project.

As an architectural endeavor, the project serves multiple purposes: it is a place for living, working, and contemplation. Each aspect of the design has been carefully considered to ensure that it enhances the overall user experience. From the interplay of natural materials to the layout that fosters interaction with nature, every detail has been strategically implemented to reflect the ideals of connection and community.

Overall, the architectural elements and design strategies employed in this project illustrate a contemporary approach to creating spaces that resonate with people on multiple levels. It prioritizes the mental and emotional benefits of occupying thoughtfully designed environments. For those interested in exploring this project further, reviewing architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas that make this project a thoughtful contribution to contemporary architecture.
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