Ling Jiou Mountain Milarepa Meditation Village


YEAR

2024

LOCATION

Nepal

CLIENT

Ling Jiou Mountain Monastery

SITE AREA

14,790 ㎡

BUILDING AREA

4,389 ㎡

STATUS

Ongoing

TYPOLOGY

Culture / Housing / Hospitality

A Meditation Sanctuary Surrounded by Forests and Streams

The Milarepa Meditation Village is one of the key overseas meditation centers established by Ling Jiou Mountain. Nestled on the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, it is surrounded by lush forests and flowing streams, providing a tranquil natural environment ideal for meditation. The village is named after the sacred cave where the revered Tibetan master Milarepa once meditated. This cave stands not only as a historical testament to the master’s spiritual accomplishments but also as a revered pilgrimage site, attracting practitioners from around the world and connecting them to an ancient meditative tradition.

Harmonizing with the Natural Terrain, Recreating the Cave Meditation Experience

This project is a meditation guesthouse located within the Milarepa Meditation Village, designed with 60 guest rooms to accommodate pilgrims and visitors coming from all over the world. The design concept prioritizes harmony with the natural terrain, integrating spiritual function with environmental sensitivity. Building mass follows the terrain of the site and guest rooms are strategically embedded into the landscape as semi-basement units, reducing the building’s visual footprint while enhancing energy efficiency and climatic adaptability. The result is a serene, immersive environment that fosters deep meditation and inner peace—evoking the spirit of Milarepa.

Echoing Traditional Architectural Forms, Connecting with Nepali Culture

The upper level of guestroom units is designated for meditation courses and related activities. The architectural design draws inspiration from traditional Nepali Newar architecture, such as timber corridors and extended eaves, responding to the local monsoon climate while honoring local architectural heritage. This cultural integration enhances the authenticity of the meditation experience and fosters a deeper connection to Nepalese traditions, enriching each visitor’s spiritual journey.