Wat Khao Buddhakodom

An ascetic existence and a harmonious connection with nature – this monastery proclaims these Buddhist teachings, and quite successfully at that: this loosely constructed ensemble of monk’s cells, classrooms, meditation spaces and library blends in with the surrounding forest. The barest minimum of materials was employed in this construction made of light steel framework, wooden boards, cement boards and corrugated sheeting. The designer also strived to make savings in the day-to-day operation of the monastery, allowing wind to enter the spaces underneath the roofs and the floors of the buildings to cool the interior spaces. The schedule is both Buddhist and environmentally friendly: the monks read and learn by day, and meditate and sleep by night – as there is no electricity it could hardly be otherwise.