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Perforated Metal Screens and Charred Wood Shingles Enhance a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Authors:
Alexander Bowman, Daniel Williams, Yoonah Noh, Elio Ernesto
Perforated Metal Screens and Charred Wood Shingles Enhance a Tranquil Meditation Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and perforated metal screens, this retreat harmoniously blends with its natural Latvian surroundings, offering serene spaces for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes perforated metal screens to enhance light filtering and privacy.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize space and promote natural ventilation.
05
Strategically preserves over 92% of the surrounding natural landscape.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural project located in Latvia, designed to provide a tranquil space for meditation and reflection. The camp integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, adhering to principles of sustainability and ecological sensitivity. The architecture reflects a commitment to preserving the surrounding environment while offering functional spaces for meditation, relaxation, and social interaction.

The camp features modular structures that include a central barn, individual cabins, a sauna, and a multi-functional event space. Each element is crafted to serve specific purposes while fostering an overall environment conducive to mindfulness and serenity. The design enhances the connection between built environments and nature, which is critical for the camp's intended purpose.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing features of the project is its emphasis on minimal ecological impact. By maintaining only a small percentage of the land for development, the architecture supports the preservation of the dense forest and natural ecosystem. This careful site integration allows the camp to provide immersive experiences without disturbing the ecological balance.

The use of vernacular architectural styles is another aspect that sets this project apart. The design draws inspiration from traditional Latvian buildings, incorporating local materials such as timber, stone, and glass. This approach not only respects regional building traditions but also enhances the visual coherence of the camp with its environment.

Transparency is a key design element that facilitates interaction with the outdoors. The barn showcases perforated metal screens that filter light, allowing natural illumination to create a calming atmosphere inside. The incorporation of large glass panels in the cabins and other communal spaces permits unobstructed views of the landscape, bridging the interior and exterior environments.

Functional Spaces and Sustainable Practices

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp consists of multiple functional spaces, each designed to promote relaxation and community interaction. The main barn acts as a communal gathering area, providing facilities for workshops, yoga sessions, and group meditations. It serves as a focal point that strengthens the community aspect of the retreat.

Individual cabins are positioned strategically to offer privacy while maintaining visual connectivity to the surrounding landscape. These structures are designed with minimalist interiors to enhance meditation experiences and promote personal reflection. The sauna provides an additional element focused on wellness, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation.

An essential aspect of the camp's design is its commitment to sustainability. The architecture employs renewable energy sources and efficient water management systems, aiming for self-sufficiency. This emphasis on environmentally conscious practices aligns with the camp's mission to offer a serene escape that respects and enhances the natural environment.

For a deeper exploration of the architectural strategies and detailed information about the design of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp, interested readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas presented in the project's documentation. These components provide further insights into the thoughtful integration of functionality and sustainability within the architectural narrative.
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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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