Buddhist Retreat

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Set on a 5 acre oceanfront site on Bowen Island, this retreat crosses cultural boundaries, where eastern philosophy meets west coast contemporary design. Working with principles of Feng Shui, the house sits perched on a terrace overlooking the Howe Sound. A simple floorplan and their graceful curved roofs set this project up to create a very special dynamic of flow, space and view.

The main service spaces, dining area and sleeping rooms are located on the first floor. With a 12’ celling height and a wall of ocean view glass the main room functions for meals, and relaxation.

Upstairs contains the sanctuary space, Buddhist alter, along with a cantilevered outdoor terrace. In addition, it also accommodates sleeping rooms and the Abbot’s chambers and private study. 

The ceiling and exterior soffits are rendered with clear “fine line” cedar (containing a slight reveal); the windows are metal clad on the exterior and D. Fir on the interior and the curved ceiling appears to float above the maple floors creating an aura of calm and serenity.