Buddhist Meditation Center Looks Like a Giant Barn With Many Windows in Rural Netherlands

When the <a href="http://www.mettavihara.nl">Metta Vihara buddhist organization</a> commissioned <a href="http://www.bureausla.nl">Bureau SLA</a> to build them a new meditation center in rural Netherlands, they asked for a building that would have as much space as possible, but that wouldn't be <em>too</em> comfortable - and they had a very limited budget. Leaning on the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/vernacular-architecture/">vernacular architecture of the region</a>, the designers opted for pastel shades of corrugated steel as the main building material and a mansard roof, resulting in a massive, bright space that looks like a giant barn studded with windows.

This beautiful buddhist meditation center in rural Netherlands has 26 beds in 13 rooms

The facade and roof are made with corrugated metal, which kept down costs

White-painted framed velux windows hide the ugly steel joinery

The meditation hall opens into the rural countryside

Bamboo floors were used in the meditation hall

The designers took inspiration from the vernacular architecture