Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Silhouetted Silence Chamber Crafted from Translucent Concrete and Charred Timber Embracing Nature's Harmony

Authors:
Gabriella Szaniszlo, Tímea Abonyi, József Gubacska
Silhouetted Silence Chamber Crafted from Translucent Concrete and Charred Timber Embracing Nature's Harmony

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred timber and translucent concrete, the silence chamber elevates individual meditation experiences, seamlessly blending with the serene Latvian countryside in a thoughtfully designed retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
The silence chamber utilizes soundproofing techniques that enhance personal reflection in nature.
02
Charred wooden shingles serve not only as a protective layer but also as a sustainable design choice.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for structural integrity while creating warm interior spaces.
04
Pathways are designed to harmonize with existing flora, promoting ecological sensitivity throughout the site.
05
The layout encourages natural ventilation, maximizing air flow without mechanical intervention.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural project designed to serve as a retreat space focused on mindfulness and communion with nature, located in the tranquil countryside of Latvia. This project represents a commitment to sustainable architecture that harmonizes with its environment, promoting well-being and reflection. Functionally, the camp is organized into various structures catering to both communal and individual experiences, with spaces thoughtfully designed to enhance visitors' connection with nature.

The main building serves as the heart of the camp, featuring communal areas such as a kitchen, dining space, and event facilities. Its spacious interiors are accentuated by high ceilings and expansive windows that invite natural light while providing sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This design approach fosters a sense of openness and encourages social interaction among guests. The materials chosen for the main building underscore its relationship with the environment, prominently featuring rustic pitch stone combined with sections of glass and durable metal roofing. These choices reflect a careful consideration of aesthetics and practicality, aiming to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Adjacent to the main building, the family house provides a more intimate setting. This structure is designed to accommodate group families or visitors seeking comfort and privacy. It features a functional layout that balances communal living with personal space, ensuring that it remains conducive to familial activities while still fostering a sense of togetherness. The incorporation of rustic stone veneer and strategically placed skylights not only enhances the building's visual appeal but also helps to connect the interior spaces with the natural light and scenery outside.

A particularly unique aspect of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp is the silence chamber, an architectural element specifically designed for meditation and introspection. Elevated among the trees, this chamber is intended to isolate individuals in a serene environment, enabling a deep engagement with the peaceful surroundings. Accessed via a simple ladder, it provides a sensory experience, allowing users to escape the noise of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature.

The site layout integrates essential features that facilitate a holistic experience. Pathways meander through the camp, connecting various structures with landscaped gardens and communal spaces. This thoughtful arrangement allows visitors to easily navigate the area while encouraging exploration and interaction with the local environment. The kitchen garden provides not just culinary benefits but also engages guests in sustainable practices, allowing them to experience growing their own food and understanding local ecosystems.

The design strategies employed throughout the Stone Barn Meditation Camp reflect a holistic approach to architecture, emphasizing sustainability and ecological mindfulness. By selecting materials like translucent concrete and abundant wood, the project reinforces a theme of natural integration. These choices not only meet functional needs but also serve to create inviting spaces that harmonize with the rural landscape.

The camp's emphasis on ecotourism sets it apart from conventional retreat spaces, creating an educational component that fosters awareness about environmental stewardship. Visitors are invited to engage in activities that promote conservation, making the experience not only a personal journey but also a communal effort towards preserving the natural world.

As one explores the various architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp, one can gain deeper insights into the impactful architectural ideas underpinning this project. The carefully orchestrated harmony between built structures and their natural context illustrates how architecture can play a vital role in fostering mindfulness and community engagement. Ultimately, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp stands as an example of intentional design that embraces the essence of both architecture and nature, encouraging individuals to connect deeply with their surroundings while promoting sustainable practices. For a closer look at the specific architectural elements and design details, readers are encouraged to review the project's presentation.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy