A new vision for Plum Village Buddhist Monastery in France
MVRDV has unveiled a series of projects for the Plum Village Buddhist Monastery in southern Dordogne, France, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration with recent construction approvals for the initial phases. The undertaking includes two comprehensive masterplans for the Upper and Lower Hamlets, as well as a new nunnery, four guest houses, and the expansion of the book shop.
Developed in partnership with Bordeaux-based co-architect MoonWalkLocal, these proposals emphasize the use of circular materials and a sensitive approach to the rural landscape, reflecting the monastery’s core values.
This collaboration grew out of the design team’s immersive stays on-site, where they participated in the daily routines of both hamlets. This hands-on experience offered valuable insight into how visitors and monastics inhabit the space, informing an architectural vision rooted in tranquil spatial organization, timber construction, and a deep awareness of seasonal changes.
Nunnery | image © MVRDV
Mindful architecture that benefits nature by MVRDV
The masterplans by MVRDV for the Upper and Lower Hamlets of Plum Village take a close look at the atmosphere and ecological dynamics of the area. Pathways are redesigned to make arrivals more welcoming, with vehicle access rerouted away from communal spaces to create peaceful, pedestrian-friendly zones.
The plans carefully define areas with unique qualities, from serene gardens for contemplation to functional work zones that facilitate deliveries with minimal disruption. To enhance climate resilience, the landscape design incorporates features such as bird habitats to help control mosquito populations and designated sites for solar panels.
Each hamlet’s layout is tailored to accommodate the influx of up to 800 participants during annual retreats. By expanding accommodations and clarifying the spatial hierarchy, the design alleviates pressure on sleeping quarters and shared spaces, supporting the daily rhythms of monastic life.
Nunnery | image © REDVERTEX
The new nunnery
At Loubès-Bernac, MVRDV and Plum Village are planning a new nunnery arranged around a central courtyard that follows the site’s natural slope. Designed to accommodate 76 monastics and aspirants, the building will feature dormitories, a zendo, a library, and classrooms. A continuous veranda wraps around the courtyard, connecting living spaces and offering framed views of the surrounding landscape.
The nunnery will employ a prefabricated timber structure with straw insulation, minimizing environmental impact and streamlining the building process. The courtyard design encourages communal living, providing residents with a protected outdoor area that bridges the interior with the natural terrain.
Nunnery | image © REDVERTEX
The guest houses
The four guest houses planned for the Upper Hamlet are designed with distinct characters, each thoughtfully integrated into its immediate surroundings. Built with timber, the two-story buildings arrange guest rooms around generous shared living spaces, ideal for Dharma circles. Circulation is facilitated by outdoor staircases, balconies, and shaded verandas.
The Gate House, located at the main entrance square, provides reception areas and workspaces on the ground floor with sleeping quarters above. Two Garden Houses border the vegetable garden and can each host 31 guests. The Veranda House, set deeper in the Son Ha area, features an extended veranda that opens out to the landscape. Each structure uses different material finishes, allowing the architecture to blend seamlessly into its specific environment.
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