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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
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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.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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