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Sunken Meditation Spaces Crafted from Local Stone and Natural Wood Elements

Authors:
Stewart Schuetze, Sandra Benitez, Lam Jonathan Tran
Sunken Meditation Spaces Crafted from Local Stone and Natural Wood Elements
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Crafted from local stone and warm wood, the design integrates sunken meditation spaces that draw guests into a serene environment dedicated to reflection and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation spaces are sunken to enhance tranquility and connection with nature.
02
Local stone is extensively used to ensure harmony with the environment.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer improved durability and aesthetic contrast.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the camp.

### Architectural Report: Stone Barn Meditation Camp - "Journey"

#### Overview
Located in a serene natural environment, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp is designed to serve as a dedicated space for meditation and reflection. The layout and design intent focus on creating a tranquil atmosphere that encourages exploration and personal contemplation. Buildings are arranged to optimize natural light and traffic flow, forming an integrated environment that accommodates both communal and individual experiences.

#### Spatial Organization
The camp's thoughtful spatial layout comprises three guest accommodation buildings, each offering a variety of suites with a total capacity for 20 guests. This configuration balances social interaction with privacy. Pathways and plazas throughout the site encourage exploration, allowing visitors to experience the journey as part of their meditative practice. Centralized communal areas, including dining halls and relaxation zones, are strategically placed to foster connections among guests while providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

#### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection is pivotal in the construction of the camp, prioritizing durability and aesthetic coherence with the natural setting. Local stone is used for structural elements, while wood—likely cedar or pine—adds warmth to interiors. Recycled metal panels enhance the camp's sustainability, and generous use of glass creates a strong connection with the outdoors. The design also incorporates clay or brick pavers for pathways, providing a tactile experience.

Sustainable design features include solar energy panels on rooftops that support energy self-sufficiency, as well as rainwater collection systems integrated into the roof design. Natural ventilation is emphasized, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. Each aspect of the design reflects an intention to minimize environmental impact while promoting a mindful experience for users.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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