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Repurposed Stone Barn Featuring Natural Wood Shades and Sustainable Construction Methods for a Mindful Retreat

Authors:
Richard Jedryas, Siddharth Paulraj
Repurposed Stone Barn Featuring Natural Wood Shades and Sustainable Construction Methods for a Mindful Retreat

Project in-detail

A repurposed stone barn enveloped in natural wood finishes serves as the centerpiece of an ecological retreat, designed to promote mindfulness and connection with nature through thoughtfully integrated accommodation and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed an existing stone barn to retain historical significance while accommodating modern functions.
02
Utilized cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance and environmental sustainability.
03
Incorporated charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure that optimizes natural light and reinforces visual connections to the landscape.
05
Established pathways that integrate seamlessly with the natural surroundings to promote exploration and mindfulness.

### Overview

The meditation camp is situated in Latvia, an area characterized by its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The design emphasizes ecological sensitivity and aims to integrate the built environment with the surrounding landscape, utilizing the existing stone barn as a key focal point. This approach fosters a setting conducive to meditation and reflection, aligning with the tranquil atmosphere of the region.

### Spatial Organization

The masterplan includes several integrated components: a private house serving both as a residence and guest shelter, the stone barn reception as a central hub for activities, modular accommodation units for visitor comfort, a sauna reflecting Latvian architectural traditions, and a meditation area immersed in the surrounding woods. The spatial layout employs the natural features of the site, such as the creek and dense forests, guiding visitors through a thoughtfully designed pathway that enhances their engagement with the environment. This strategy not only encourages exploration but also connects users with the setting, providing a balance between shared spaces and private retreats.

### Material Selection

Materiality plays a crucial role in both aesthetic and functional aspects of the design. Local timber is utilized throughout the accommodation and sauna, ensuring a warm and culturally relevant atmosphere. The historic stone of the existing barn serves as an anchor, linking the past with contemporary interventions. Glass elements are strategically incorporated to enhance transparency, maintaining views of the natural surroundings while maximizing natural light. This careful selection of durable materials reflects a commitment to sustainability, minimizing ecological impact and reinforcing the project’s connection to local building traditions.

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

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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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