The Making of Zhiwaling

Peter Kampf first came to Bhutan as a traveller, where he became friends with Zhiwaling’s founding family. Years later, he returned as the architect behind Zhiwaling, working alongside Bhutanese artisans and a team of international specialists to bring the family’s vision to life.

Building Zhiwaling was a painstaking process, with much of the work completed entirely by hand. In the lobby, the intricate timber structure was assembled using traditional joinery without nails - a reflection of the time, skill and precision that went into its making.

Inspired by Bhutan’s traditional dzong architecture, Zhiwaling is defined by inward-leaning walls, local stone and timber, and the proportions and details characteristic of Bhutanese design.