MVRDV, a Dutch architecture firm, has collaborated with Plum Village, a Buddhist monastery in southern France, to create a sustainable and serene oasis. The project, which includes a new nunnery, guest houses, and a renovated bookshop, prioritizes eco-friendliness and community living.
The designs, developed in partnership with local co-architect MoonWalkLocal, focus on rehabilitation and the use of bio-based and circular materials. The nunnery, a courtyard-style structure, will be built using prefabricated wood frames with straw insulation, reducing carbon emissions.
Sanne van der Burgh, Associate Director at MVRDV, said, “For this project, we really had to un-learn what we learned as architects, engaging in the practice of deep listening and understanding the very unusual needs of our clients.” The project aims to create a peaceful and welcoming space for visitors and residents, showcasing the potential of sustainable architecture.
Image Courtesy: World Architecture
