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Preserving Heritage With Stone And Wood In A Contemporary Wellness Retreat

Authors:
João Pedro Pujoni Facury, Carolina Almeida, Mariana Lima, Marcos Vinícius Lourenço
Preserving Heritage With Stone And Wood In A Contemporary Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing preserved stone and locally sourced wood, the design integrates flowing watercourses to create a harmonious wellness retreat that encourages meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular layout that encourages seamless indoor and outdoor interactions.
02
Incorporates a silence room specifically designed for focused meditation.
03
Features a green roof that enhances insulation and integrates with the surrounding landscape.
04
Engages local craft through the use of traditional building materials like charred wooden shingles.
05
Integrates natural watercourses into the site, enhancing the meditative experience.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp, situated in Latvia, transforms an existing historical structure into a contemporary wellness space. This project effectively embodies the principles of sustainability, community interaction, and integration with the natural landscape. Its primary function is to provide a dedicated environment for meditation and reflection, promoting mental well-being and spiritual growth within a serene and immersive setting.

The camp seamlessly incorporates the existing stone barn, preserving its historical significance while enhancing its functionality. The design includes several independent buildings, each serving specific needs such as community gatherings, personal reflection, and wellness activities. With an emphasis on modular construction, the layout promotes interaction among users while maintaining defined areas for solitude.

Unique Design Approaches

The design integrates natural water flows and ditches into the architecture, allowing these elements to enhance the overall aesthetic and functional experience. By elevating the role of water within the landscape, the project fosters a deeper connection to the environment. The architectural response to the site emphasizes the concept of ‘in-between’ spaces, facilitating fluid transitions from indoor to outdoor areas, which is essential for meditation practices.

Materiality plays a critical role in the design. Locally sourced materials such as brick, wood, glass, and natural stone reinforce the camp's connection to its surroundings and cultural context. The deliberate choice of materials not only supports sustainability but also cultivates a tactile engagement with the space. This commitment to using traditional materials alongside modern design principles distinguishes the Stone Barn Meditation Camp from typical wellness facilities.

Interior spaces are characterized by thoughtful renovations that respect the history of the stone barn while providing modern amenities. The inclusion of a silence room and sauna reflects local traditions while catering to contemporary expectations of wellness. The architectural layout prioritizes privacy and community engagement, creating an adaptable environment suitable for individual users or group retreats.

Environmental sustainability is a significant focus, as demonstrated by the implementation of rainwater collection systems and green roofing solutions. These features minimize the ecological impact while promoting a self-sustaining environment.

The Stone Barn Meditation Camp serves as an exemplary model of how architecture can harmonize with nature and culture, offering a structured yet flexible environment that encourages personal and communal exploration. To delve deeper into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that define this project, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation for a comprehensive understanding.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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