MVRDV unveils tranquil masterplan for plum village buddhist monastery in south of france

"A new vision for Plum Village buddhist monastery in france MVRDV advances a series of projects for the Plum Village Buddhist Monastery in southern Dordogne, France, where construction approval has now been granted for the first components of a long-term collaboration. The work spans two masterplans for the Upper and Lower Hamlets, along with a new nunnery, four guest houses, and a renovated book shop."

"Developed with Bordeaux-based co-architect MoonWalkLocal, the proposals reflect the monastery's emphasis on circular materials and sensitive intervention in a rural landscape. The collaboration emerged from extended stays by the design team, who joined daily routines in both hamlets to understand how visitors and monastics experience the site. This immersion shaped an architectural direction grounded in serene spatial organization, timber construction, and attention to seasonal rhythms."

"mindful architecture that benefits nature by mvrdv 's masterplans for the Upper and Lower Hamlets of the Plum Village study atmosphere, and ecological conditions at close range. Paths are reconfigured to ease arrival, with vehicle routes shifted away from communal areas to foster uninterrupted circulation on foot. Areas with distinct characters are outlined with care, ranging from contemplative gardens to working zones that accommodate deliveries with reduced intrusion."

MVRDV and Bordeaux-based co-architect MoonWalkLocal plan masterplans for the Upper and Lower Hamlets, a new nunnery at Loubès-Bernac, four guest houses, and a renovated book shop, with construction approval granted for initial components. The design prioritizes circular materials, timber construction, and sensitive interventions in the rural Dordogne landscape. Design team immersion in daily hamlet routines informed spatial organization that emphasizes serene sequences and seasonal rhythms. Paths are reconfigured to ease arrival while vehicle routes are moved away from communal areas. Distinct zones include contemplative gardens and working areas for discreet deliveries. Landscape measures integrate climate resilience through bird habitats and planned solar placements. Expanded accommodation and clearer spatial hierarchy respond to retreats of up to 800 participants.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine