The project
This place can be described as a quiet, multi-faith meditation and retreat centre nestled into the Himalayan foothills, where the architecture feels like it has grown naturally out of the landscape rather than being imposed on it.
Overall character
The centre is designed around stillness, contemplation and connection with nature. It is not a conventional religious institution belonging to one faith. Instead, it creates a shared spiritual environment where people of different beliefs, or no particular belief, can come to meditate, reflect, pray or simply disconnect.
Architecture
The buildings are low-rise clusters of stone, timber and earth plaster, stepping gently along the natural contours of the hillside. Sloping slate roofs, deep timber verandahs, stone retaining walls and courtyards give the centre a strong Himalayan vernacular character.
Rather than one large building, the centre is made up of smaller pavilions connected through covered walkways, gardens and courtyards. This makes the journey through the site part of the experience.
Sacred spaces
At the heart is a quiet central meditation hall, with a simple circular or octagonal geometry and a timber roof structure. Natural light enters from above, creating a changing connection with the sky throughout the day.
The interior avoids prescribing a particular religion. Instead of a single deity or icon, the space can incorporate abstract symbols and elements representing different traditions, while leaving enough visual emptiness for individual interpretation.
Landscape
Nature is treated almost as another architectural element. Stone paths follow the slope, passing through dense Himalayan vegetation, flowering gardens, small streams and waterfalls.
Water is deliberately incorporated into the experience, creating a continuous background sound. Large existing trees become gathering and meditation points rather than being cleared for construction.
Experience
The centre is intended to feel progressively quieter as one moves inward:
Road → entrance → courtyard → garden paths → meditation spaces → landscape terraces
The transition from the outside world to the inner spaces is gradual. Covered verandahs, filtered views, changing light, the sound of water and framed mountain vistas create moments of pause throughout the journey.
Material palette
Local rough stone for walls and foundations
Timber for columns, beams, screens and ceilings
Slate for pitched roofs
Warm earth/lime plaster
Hand-finished metal details in brass or copper
Natural cotton, wool and woven textiles
Stone paving and locally sourced landscape materials
The result should feel timeless, grounded and slightly imperfect, rather than polished like a luxury resort. The luxury, if any, comes from the setting, silence, craftsmanship and views. Humans have finally managed to build somewhere where the mountain gets to be the impressive part. 🌿⛰️
