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Translucent Concrete and Rustic Stone Create a Meditation Sanctuary in Nature

Authors:
Gabriella Szaniszlo, Tímea Abonyi, József Gubacska
Translucent Concrete and Rustic Stone Create a Meditation Sanctuary in Nature

Project in-detail

Translucent concrete and rustic stone define a meditation camp that harmonizes with its natural surroundings, offering spaces for individual reflection and communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent concrete allows natural light to filter into the main building while retaining thermal properties.
02
A Silence Chamber is elevated among trees to enhance solitude for meditation.
03
Rustic stone veneer integrates the structures seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
04
The kitchen garden promotes sustainability by providing fresh produce directly to guests.
05
The footbridge connects various facilities, encouraging exploration of the natural environment.
The Stone Barn Meditation Camp is an architectural design project located in Latvia, focused on creating a space for reflection, meditation, and community engagement. This camp integrates functional facilities with the surrounding natural environment, embodying principles of ecotourism and sustainable living. The design serves as a refuge, promoting a deep connection between visitors, nature, and one another.

The main components of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp include a central building housing dining and communal areas, family accommodations, and a uniquely designed Silence Chamber intended for solitary meditation. Each element within the camp is positioned to maximize the beauty of the landscape while fostering social interaction among guests. This project prioritizes both private and communal spaces, ensuring a balanced experience that encourages both solitude and community.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinctive feature of the Stone Barn Meditation Camp is the thoughtful selection of materials that enhance the connection to the site. The use of rustic stone veneer provides a grounded aesthetic that relates to the local context. Additionally, translucent concrete is employed in various architectural designs to introduce a modern element, allowing diffused natural light to permeate while maintaining thermal efficiency.

The architecture also emphasizes sustainability through the integration of a kitchen garden. This feature not only supplies fresh produce for camp meals but also encourages visitors to engage with sustainable practices and the source of their food. The footbridge connecting different areas of the camp enhances accessibility while promoting exploration of the natural surroundings.

Architectural Integration with Nature

Key design aspects include large glass windows that frame the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, thus merging indoor and outdoor experiences. The layout of the camp takes into consideration sightlines and the emotional response to the environment, effectively grounding the structures within their natural setting. The Silence Chamber, located among the tree canopies, offers a sanctuary for individuals seeking solitude and deep meditation, reinforcing the project’s focus on providing an immersive experience with nature.

Overall, the Stone Barn Meditation Camp represents a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, designed to facilitate personal reflection and community connection. For those interested in further exploring this architectural endeavor, a review of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and specific architectural designs will provide deeper insights into the project's vision and implementation.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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