Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Natural Stone Facades and Timber Beams Creating Serenity in a Mindful Retreat

Author:
Magdalena Żołnierowicz
Natural Stone Facades and Timber Beams Creating Serenity in a Mindful Retreat

Project in-detail

Natural stone facades and exposed timber beams create a harmonious environment that enhances mindfulness and communal experiences in a dedicated meditation retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone facades enhance durability while providing thermal mass for climate control.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for structural integrity and rapid assembly.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a weather-resistant exterior with a distinctive aesthetic.
04
Integrated moss features contribute to indoor air quality and sensory experience.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes ceiling height and natural light in meditation areas.

## Analytical Report on the OAK LEAF Meditation Camp

### Overview

Located in a tranquil landscape, the OAK LEAF Meditation Camp is designed to provide a serene environment for meditation and self-reflection. The project integrates natural elements with modern design principles, aiming to foster a connection between individuals and their surroundings. The concept is structured around four fundamental elements—earth, water, air, and fire—each represented in distinct areas of the camp to promote various forms of meditation and community engagement.

### Architectural Elements and Design Features

#### Building Form and Spatial Organization
The meditation camp comprises two main structures, each reflecting the project's elemental theme. The first structure features a gabled roof and a stone facade, embodying the essence of earth through its grounding aesthetics. In contrast, the second structure adopts a contemporary approach with a flat roof and minimalistic design, symbolizing air and lightness. The layout of the site is carefully planned to enhance interaction with nature, with parking located away from the main complex, encouraging visitors to approach on foot.

#### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the camp's identity. Natural stone is employed extensively for the exterior, providing a sense of strength and stability, while large glass panels maximize natural light and promote openness in communal areas. Timber elements introduce warmth to the interiors, contributing to a calming atmosphere conducive to meditation. The interiors also incorporate moss on the floors to connect users with the tactile qualities of the earth. Sustainability features include solar panels for renewable energy, a biogas plant for waste management and energy production, and a water management system that utilizes natural flows to support the site's ecological integrity.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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