Dutch architecture studio MVRDV has unveiled an ambitious proposal to reconfigure and expand the Plum Village Buddhist Monastery in France’s Dordogne region. The masterplan focuses on sustainability, accessibility and community-centric design, integrating timber guesthouses, a new nunnery and improved village layouts while preserving the monastery’s spiritual identity.
Reorganising the Monastery Layout
The project will reorganise the upper and lower hamlets, rerouting vehicle pathways to create car-free village centres that promote peace and pedestrian-friendly movement. This reconfiguration aims to create a more welcoming and meditative arrival experience for visitors and retreat participants.
Sustainable Nunnery with Prefabricated Construction
A key highlight is the nunnery planned for the lower hamlet. Designed with Bordeaux-based Moonwalklocal, it will include dormitories, communal zones, classrooms, a meditation hall and a library arranged around a central courtyard.
Built using prefabricated wood frames and straw insulation, the structure reflects the monastery’s environmental values and reduces construction-related carbon emissions.
Revamped Bookshop as a Social Hub
An existing stone barn bookshop will be renovated and expanded to serve as the social heart of the upper hamlet. The upgrade introduces a covered outdoor terrace and reorganised wooden shelving inside to enhance visitor interaction and browsing experiences.
Timber Guesthouses for Visitors
The plan also includes four two-storey wooden guesthouses, designed with rooms encircling communal living areas. These guesthouses will offer simple, warm and nature-connected accommodation for retreat attendees.
Strategic Significance and Broader Vision
By improving spatial organisation and introducing sustainable new buildings, MVRDV aims to enhance how the monastery shares teachings of Engaged Buddhism, a modern movement emphasising mindfulness and community. The project also aligns with the site’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and harmonious living.
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