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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.

# Analytical Report: Stone Barn Meditation Camp

## Overview

Located in Latvia, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp is designed to harmonize with the natural environment while serving as a retreat for those seeking tranquility and reflection. The project's intent is rooted in ecotourism and sustainable architectural practices, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape, which includes rich forests and diverse ecosystems.

## Spatial Strategy and Materiality

The camp's spatial strategy emphasizes a minimal ecological footprint, with built structures occupying only 2.6% of the site and preserving over 92% of the natural landscape. This careful integration of paths and buildings promotes a balanced relationship with the environment. Key structures include the barn, which retains its historical significance while incorporating modern functions, and cabins designed for personal meditation experiences. The barn features perforated metal screens that filter light, enhancing the sensory atmosphere, while the cabins are constructed with concrete and sustainable roof materials to foster solitude.

## Sustainability and User Experience

Sustainable practices are central to the camp’s design, utilizing renewable energy sources and efficient water management systems to reduce environmental impact and support self-sufficiency. The inclusion of a sauna encourages relaxation through indoor-outdoor water therapies, while the event field provides a flexible space for gatherings and meditation activities that strengthen connections with nature. Additionally, the tower serves as a visual landmark, offering panoramic views and reinforcing local architectural traditions, contributing to the overall user experience within the tranquil setting.

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

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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

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