Rebuilding the Hermitage
From the Ashes
In January 2014, an electrical fire burned down the main facilities of Vimokkharam Forest Hermitage. Thus, one of the main missions of the Hermitage is to rebuild its premises.
After many years of planning, and overcoming countless obstacles to obtain the necessary planning and building permits, the re-construction of the Hermitage has now begun. The completion of the project will enable Vimokkharam to once again become a suitable home for the practice and embodiment of the qualities of the Noble Triple Gem for our community.
November 2020 / 2563
Foundation pouring
July 2020 / 2563
Ready to begin construction
November 2019 / 2562
Phase 1 Complete
June 2018 / 2561
Ready to begin construction
After a long and complicated process, we have now succeeded in gaining planning permission approval for rebuilding Vimokkharam (see plans below). We are now able to proceed with the building stage. As one of the conditions of our permit, we must build a retaining wall on the northern bank of the site before we can begin building the temple itself. We have engaged the services of a Building Surveyor to help with contract negotiations with our contractor and also to facilitate the application for a building permit for the wall.
December 2017 / 2560
Waiting for Council (reprise)
October 2017 / 2560
Waiting for Council
September 2017 / 2560
Hermitage Design Finalised
December 2016 / 2559
Getting Started
The Planning Permit for the redevelopment of the site comes with some arduous demands before any actual building works can proceed.
The most significant of these is the design and construction of a number of retaining walls. Most people may be aware of these areas that are largely made up of cuts into the hill, one at the back of the previously existing building extending along to the carport and behind the Kuti and the corresponding bank behind the sheds and compost toilet.
The Building Subcommittee have sourced fee proposals for the services of the following; a Land Surveyor, Building Surveyor and Structural & Civil Engineer.
We have also engaged the services of a draftsperson to produce the documentation required to call tenders on the works and to obtain a building permit. He will work in conjunction with the Architect who has kindly donated his services to prepare the Schematic Design for the new Hermitage and will continue to assist with the Design Development.
Once all the various fee proposals have been received the Building Sub-committee can make the important decision how best to proceed forward with the relevant documentation.
Some of you may already be aware that we also hope to reconnect the mains power supply before the building works commence in order to make the living facilities on site at little easier.