Vajrasana Buddhist Retreat Centre, Suffolk

The retreat serves a wide range of community members such as carers on respite, and those facing stress, addiction or anxiety. 

The client asked for the grounds to be beautiful, nurturing and to promote well-being and spiritual growth. Simple materials and local craftsmanship create a modest architecture and a series of spiritual outdoor rooms. 

A strong connection with the landscape reinforces a sense of calm and contemplation and long vistas connect courtyards with the meadows and fields beyond. The masterplan and inside-out connections and vistas evolved in close collaboration with Walters and Cohen Architects. 

Buddhist beliefs are "to do the least harm to nature". Our design for the new gardens underpins this philosophy, creating gardens for contemplation, orchards and enriched biodiversity.

The retreat centres on the Sangha courtyard, the social heart that sits between living and sleeping quarters.

Materials are stone and timber set beneath Yoshino cherries. The terraces are designed to make space for private moments and gathering in groups. 

Other garden rooms have ritual functions with slate selected to provide a reflective space for Askhobhya, a statue that floats above a dark pool representing profound depth and wisdom.