Vihara 建筑丨英国丨Noel Wright Architects

Noel Wright Architects commissioned me to photograph their new Vihara building, designed for Cittaviveka Chithurst Buddhist Monastery in the South Downs National Park.

The two storey building, set in a well established orchard, is constructed of natural materials to reflect the surrounds. An oak frame made by The Green Oak Carpentry Company Ltd. provides structural support, with elevations clad in either timber or a mixture of timber and stone, much of the latter reclaimed from a previous building on the same site. Extensive glazing on the ground floor offers a fine exterior view of the beautiful orchard, where as many trees were retained during the course of construction as possible. The building provides the monks with a private social and  meeting space.

The project was "Highly Commended" in the Sussex Heritage Awards, 2021.