The Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in Redwood Valley was founded in 1995 and is home to about 20 monks and an ever-growing lay community. This project consists of three phases: site planning and programming for the new main cloister area, design of an off-the-grid community building for the monks, and design of all the structures in the main cloister area, including a reception/dining hall, large kitchen, administrative offices, guest quarters, library and support spaces.

The community building, located on a remote hillside, is designed as an off-the-grid structure. The building is oriented for maximum daylight, views and most importantly winter passive solar heat gain. Eight roof-mounted solar thermal panels (35 megajoules capacity) provide both radiant floor heat and hot water for the bathrooms year-round. During overcast or rainy winter days a wood-fired "Aquatherm" boiler supplements the passive system. A ground-mounted 3,000-watt photovoltaic system, which provides enough electricity in the summer, is supplemented by a micro-hydro turbine powered by a seasonal stream.

The buildings in the main cloister area (approximately 14,000 square feet) are arranged on top of a knoll overlooking the valley below. Placed between existing oak trees and arranged around a landscaped central courtyard, all structures are connected by a covered walkway.