New Temple Complex
East Hampshire, South East
New Temple Complex stands as an exceptional example of where architectural design, access, and community intertwine seamlessly to create a space that reflects the spiritual aspirations of its occupants.
At the core is an acute sensitivity to both the clients’ brief and the natural landscape. The architects’ responsiveness to the clients’ spiritual beliefs is evident at every turn, demonstrating a profound connection between design and ethos. The seven-year collaborative process, guided by group members, resulted in a building that is simultaneously simple and complex, embodying clarity of purpose and a rich tapestry of texture, pattern, and symbolism.
The landscape setting, adorned with a significant collection of mature trees and the Monks’ Walk, is seamlessly integrated into the design. At every juncture, the building opens itself to the outdoor environment, creating a dynamic relationship with outdoor sculptures, beautiful trees, and enclosed landscaped courtyards. The axial path approach, intersected by the Monks’ Walk at an acute angle, showcases a nuanced understanding of landscape design, avoiding overly formal approaches and adding dynamism to the environment.
The success of the building lies not just in its architectural prowess but in its ability to cater to the community’s needs. The most used entrance leads to a social space connected to smaller halls and meeting areas, culminating in the main hall. Wayfinding is intuitive, guided by full height glazing that frames views and maintains a constant connection to the landscape. The design prioritises usable, flexible accommodation over excessive circulation space, fostering a sense of community and functionality.
The Main Hall as a triumph, illuminated by natural light through a dome and adorned with textured brickwork. Careful detailing, including the division of the dome into twelve astrological sones significant to the group, creates a sacred and luminous space. While the temple is non-denominational, the spiritual purpose of the building is undeniable. The architects navigate a delicate balance, drawing inspiration from various religious architectural precedents and blending them into something fresh yet familiar. The incorporation of symbols important to the group manifests a spiritual character that permeates the design at every scale. Craftsmanship and construction quality shine through, with visible detailing and meticulous workmanship.
Judges’ Comments
This is a project of great quality and design distinction. In fact, I cannot think of any other project I have visited where the architecture has better expressed the aspirations of the client.
Photography Credits & Captions
New Temple Complex - 01, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: View of the New Temple Complex across the garden chakra walk. New Temple Complex - 02, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Ceremonial approach to the temple, toward the east elevation. New Temple Complex - 03, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: West elevation of the temple, sited between existing mature trees. New Temple Complex - 04, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: View of the west-facing multi-purpose meeting room facade. New Temple Complex - 05, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Reflection pools at the building entrance symbolise cleansing. New Temple Complex - 06, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Temple east elevation - brick niches incorporate air intake grilles for passive ventilation and provide a moment to rest. New Temple Complex - 07, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Covered entrance portico and building foyer. New Temple Complex - 08, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: View of the east temple facade from the nearby car parking. New Temple Complex - 09, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Timber framed entrance foyer and cloister. New Temple Complex - 10, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Structural glulam timber entrance portico providing shelter on arrival. New Temple Complex - 11, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: North cloister with south facing ash bench overlooking the planted courtyard. New Temple Complex - 12, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Multi-purpose meeting room available for hire. New Temple Complex - 13, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Library with reclaimed oak table and new ash bench seating. New Temple Complex - 14, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: View of the library looking west. New Temple Complex - 15, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: West cloister looking south the temple and central altar, with stable door and view of landscape beyond. New Temple Complex - 16, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Temple space looking north to the glazed cloister. New Temple Complex - 17, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Temple interior, with furniture designed by James Gorst Architects. New Temple Complex - 18, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Underside of the pendentive arched temple structure with radial glulam beams connecting to a dogtoothed brick wall. New Temple Complex - 19, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: View of the temple transepts, used for storage and equipped with flower arranging sinks behind perforated ash joinery. New Temple Complex - 20, Credit: Rory Gardiner, Caption: Timber oculus and glazed rooflight where the 48 curved glulam beams terminate the upper dome.
Overall Result
Award
Application Type
CTA
Primary Use Class
F1(f) Public worship or religious instruction (or in connection with such use)
Secondary Use Class
F2(b) Halls or meeting places for the principal use of the local community
Credits
Architect
James Gorst Architects
Client
The White Eagle Loge
Structural Engineer
Eckersley O'Callaghan
Services Engineer
Skelly & Couch
Main Contractor
Beard Construction
Universal Design Consultant
Peter Connell Associates
Landscape Architect
McWilliam Studio