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Repurposed Stone Barn Featuring Natural Wood Elements for Mindful Retreat

Author:
Natalia Sternicka
Repurposed Stone Barn Featuring Natural Wood Elements for Mindful Retreat

Project in-detail

A century-old stone barn is transformed into a serene meditation retreat, seamlessly blending local materials and natural light to create spaces that enhance mindfulness and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
A century-old barn structure is preserved and integrated into the new design.
02
Natural stone walls are left exposed to maintain historical context.
03
Skylights are incorporated to enhance natural light and aesthetics.
04
The design includes an innovative in-water path connecting sauna facilities.
05
Large glass panels blur boundaries between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.

## Project Overview

The Nature of Insider is located in Latvia and represents the adaptation of a century-old stone barn into a meditation camp. The intent of the project is to create a space that fosters introspection and a connection to nature while preserving the historical integrity of the original structure. By incorporating contemporary architectural elements, the design aims to facilitate a meaningful dialogue between the existing architecture and the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The spatial layout of the meditation camp is designed to enhance user experience through thoughtful organization of functional areas. The main entrance, aligned with the natural topography, creates a welcoming transition into the serene environment. Central to the facility is an atrium that serves as a communal gathering space, promoting social interaction while maintaining a strong relationship with nature. Meditation chambers and guest accommodations are strategically positioned to offer privacy and capitalize on tranquil views, reinforcing the camp's focus on mindfulness.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a critical role in this project, emphasizing local and natural elements that complement the rustic character of the original barn. Local stone is utilized for its thermal mass and texture, while bricks provide structural integrity. The incorporation of glass in partitions and façades promotes transparency and enhances natural light throughout the interior spaces. Exposed wood elements add warmth, and metal features ensure durability while introducing a modern aesthetic. The project's approach to sustainable design is reflected not only in material choices but also in its cohesive integration with the landscape, allowing for a harmonious coexistence between built and natural environments.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
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