Yasodhara Ashram and Spearhead Inc., Kootenay organizations with a global reach, are joining together for an innovative project — Spearhead has recently been chosen from a pool of international contenders to be the fabricator for the new Temple of Light.
The ashram, a Kootenay Bay yoga retreat and study centre, suffered a tragic loss in June 2014, when an accidental fire destroyed its original temple.
“The past year has been one of regeneration and renewal for us,” said Swami Lalitananda, president of Yasodhara Ashram. “We committed to rebuilding the temple and have found creative and skilled partners to help us make it a reality.”
Spearhead is a specialty fabrication company whose focus is on heavy timber, steel and architectural woodwork. Operating from Nelson for over 20 years, Spearhead works with top-tier architectural firms on projects all over the world, from Alaska to Dubai. The company’s sophisticated technology allows it to push the boundaries of basic materials and bring a high level of efficiency to complex projects.
The Temple of Light, designed by Patkau Architects, is an inventive form of curved panels that require specialized prefabrication. Spearhead will collaborate with the architects and construction team to produce precise digital models that link directly to their digital manufacturing equipment. The temple’s structural components will be prefabricated at their facility, ensuring both quality and efficiency.
“We were drawn to the Temple at Yasodhara Ashram not only because of its beautiful design but also because it is a local project,” said Spearhead project manager Tara Primeau. “We have long admired the work of Patkau Architects and are really looking forward to working with them and the ashram team.”
Thanks to Spearhead’s advanced technology, proximity to the Ashram and compatibility with Patkau Architects, a new working schedule for the build has been confirmed. With the prefabrication work to begin over the winter and installation to take place in the spring, the Temple of Light is projected to be ready for occupancy as of the fall 2016.
The project has added benefit to the Kootenay region, as it will put over $1.5 million back into the local economy.
“We are delighted that our build will support our local economy,” said Lalitananda. “Working with Spearhead is part of the ashram’s longstanding commitment to local resources and community resilience. It’s amazing to have found the best company in our own backyard.”
—YASODHARA ASHRAM