A few years ago, the West London Buddhist Centre embarked on a journey of change, bidding farewell to its beloved Notting Hill townhouse after three decades. Their quest for more space and enhanced accessibility led them to explore new horizons, eventually discovering a promising development just steps away from their former abode.
This newfound sanctuary was a multifaceted structure, boasting luxurious apartments on multiple floors above a basement and ground floor. The catch? Planning consent restricted the latter to ‘community use’ due to its previous role as a language school. This limitation, however, offered affordability and a blank canvas for transformation.
The pivotal decision lay in selecting the right architects for the job. While there was pressure to opt for the firm responsible for the rest of the building, the center invited external bids. In a nod to shared social and spiritual values, they entrusted the project to the smaller yet spiritually aligned Studio Buschow.
At the heart of the architectural vision was the creation of an open and communal ground floor—a space where people could seamlessly enter from the street, connect, and converse. Descending the stairs was meant to symbolize the transition to the sacred realms below.
The committee made a conscious choice to eschew overt Eastern aesthetics, favoring a contemporary, light-filled ambiance with an emphasis on natural materials. The design exuded simplicity and a Zen-like serenity rather than ornate extravagance.
One particularly inspired innovation by Studio Buschow was ‘the veil,’ a felt screen or curtain enveloping the upper space from the outside world. This ingenious addition allowed patterns of light to filter through, inviting the external environment inside while maintaining a tranquil interior atmosphere.
The upper level greeted visitors with a serene yoga space adjacent to the reception area, a bodywork studio, and well-appointed washrooms. As one descended the stairs, the play of light and the soothing dark oak paneling conspired to create an enduring sense of calm, preparing individuals for the profound experiences awaiting them in one of the two shrine rooms.
The West London Buddhist Centre’s new home stands as a testament to successful collaboration. The unwavering dedication of the center’s committee harmoniously blended with the artistic sensibilities of the architects. The result is a contemporary sanctuary that promises to nurture spiritual growth and mindfulness for generations to come. As the architects themselves put it, “Sometimes within the new center, even the air itself seems to slow down.”
TEXT: Pete Bartlett
IMAGES: Pete Bartlett
