Vajrasana Buddhist Retreat

The practice’s design for Vajrasana evolves around three concepts or ‘jewels’ common to Buddhism but particularly closely adhered to by the Triratna community: Sangha, Dharma and Buddha. These three ideas inform the spaces of the retreat – each distinct from the other – and provide a processional route based around the geometry of the spaces and the movement towards the final religious space.

Sangha – representing community – is the first space you encounter: a series of low-rise buildings placed around a lushly planted courtyard. These contain a large dining area, living spaces and shared bedrooms accommodating about 60 guests at any one time.

A concrete portal frame creates the double-height space of the dining room; it is simply lined with painted blockwork and clad on the outside in charred timber.

From the Sangha courtyard a covered cloister-like walkway leads to a further two courtyards representing the Dharma, or path to enlightenment. In one courtyard sits a large white limestone stupa monument, while in the other a cast bronze Buddha sits atop a lotus flower, appearing to float in a rectangular pool of water. Separated from the Sangha courtyard by a perforated screen of bricks, these spaces are quieter and more introspective, though they still provide views out towards the surrounding landscape.

These courtyards lead on to the shrine room, where a 3m-tall gold-coloured Buddha sits on a plinth. Built from a dark, almost rust-coloured Belgian brick and with a timber floor, the space feels close to nature. The room is used for spiritual celebrations, meditation and yoga classes.