Jain Temple, Potters Bar
Jain Temple, Potters Bar
On behalf of the Oshwal Association UK (OAUK), Saloria successfully obtained planning permission for a new and improved front extension to the Jain Temple in Potters Bar. Gaining planning permission was extremely challenging given the building’s Green Belt situation.
The Temple’s structure does not use any steel – this is in line with ancient Hindu and Jaine architectural text – and was a requirement of the Oshwal Association. The structure simply uses interlocking stonework.
Saloria adapted the traditional Indian temple to fully respond to the constant daily challenges of the British weather! The design, appearance and landscaping has been sensitively designed to consider the location of the site, surrounding areas and the natural environment, whilst simultaneously making sure the tranquil setting of the temple was not disturbed.
Credits
Most of the stones used in the construction were precut and carved in India and were then assembled on site. However, on their arrival in the UK it was discovered that a substantial number of the stones had been damaged in transit. In order to overcome this challenge and to keep the project on track Saloria brought a team of specialist craftsmen over from India. They were tasked with carving the stones on site ready for assembly. Saloria managed and supervised this work on a daily basis and ensured that the project was completed in time for The Prince of Wales, now King Charles, to perform the opening ceremony.
Part of the brief was to deal with the leaking domes on the original temple, a problem that had persisted since the original temple was built. Saloria offered an innovative solution; removing the external skin of the dome; lifting it and storing it; applying insulation and a vapour barrier to the structure below; and then the replacing the dome skin back in position, whilst leaving a ventilation gap below the dome skin. Saloria recognised that the domes were not leaking but had interstitial condensation problems. The finished work left the dome looking unchanged.
The intricate rear dome was treated with a water-repellent coating, similar to those applied to shoes and apparel, to protect it from the rain.
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