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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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