Celebrations for the grand opening of the largest Thai Buddhist temple built outside of Thailand, constructed by Consigli Construction and designed by ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, were held on June in Raynham, Mass.
Hundreds of people attended a public ceremony celebrating the opening of the $60 million, 110,000 square-foot, Wat Nawamintararachutis NMR Meditation Center, which included self-guided tours and a luncheon. A private ceremony was also held, which included more than 500 monks, Thai dignitaries, donors, local and state officials and members of the project team.
The new retreat is topped by a 185 foot-high steeple-like chedi of brass that soars above the surrounding rural neighborhood. Consigli’s team of skilled craftsmen self-performed the installation of miles of cherry wood, marble, brass and gold in the interiors. Much of the finishes and artifacts were made in Thailand, including seven gold-clad bronze Buddhas. Hundreds of fiberglass lotus medallions covered in gold-leaf and tiny triangular mirrors adorn the temple ceilings. And, a three-story grand staircase features hand-crafted bronze stair railings.
“There are very few contractors I can imagine doing this project other than Consigli. It requires that special touch. The biggest thing was the need for flexibility and sensitivity in handling a lot of unusual finishes and thinking outside the usual parameters to adapt to this unique project. We have an excellent team from Consigli, and I couldn’t be happier,” said the Temple’s Project Director, Paul Chapple.
The complex holds a museum, meditation space, residence halls for monks, kitchens and a multi-purpose hall that accommodates up to 700, which surrounds the actual temple. The multi-purpose hall, where the grand opening was held, will be used for major Buddhist celebrations during the year. The local community will be able to use the hall for meetings and lectures dedicated to the cultural traditions of Thailand.
The Wat Nawamintararachutis NMR Meditation Center is dedicated to the life of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, the King of Thailand, who was born at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts in December 1927, while his parents were students at Harvard Medical School and Simmons College.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 22, 2021: COVID-19's impact on multifamily amenities
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C's Robert Cassidy speaks with three multifamily design experts about the impact of COVID-19 on apartment and condo amenities, based on the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Survey.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 15, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 15, 2021: The ins and outs of adaptive reuse, and sensors for real-time construction monitoring
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders from PBDW Architects and Wohlsen Construction about what makes adaptive reuse projects successful, and sensors for real-time monitoring of concrete construction.
Architects | Apr 14, 2021
HASTINGS elevates Sara Atherton and Derek Schmidt to Principal
Hastings Architecture promotes Sara Atherton and Derek Schmidt to Principal.
Industry Research | Apr 9, 2021
BD+C exclusive research: What building owners want from AEC firms
BD+C’s first-ever owners’ survey finds them focused on improving buildings’ performance for higher investment returns.
Architects | Apr 2, 2021
Spring Has Sprung at Construction Specialties
Introducing a slew of sensational solids, metallic finishes that cast subtle and shimmering effects, and disposable curtains to complement our exclusive fabric line.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 30, 2021
Bipartisan ‘YIMBY’ bill would provide $1.5B in grants to spur new housing
Resources for local leaders to overcome obstacles such as density-unfriendly or discriminatory zoning.
Office Buildings | Mar 26, 2021
Finding success for downtown office space after COVID-19
Using the right planning tools can spur new uses for Class B and C commercial real estate.
Architects | Mar 25, 2021
The Weekly Show, March 25, 2021: The Just Label for AEC firms, and Perkins Eastman's Well-Platinum design studio
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders about the Just Label from the International Living Future Institute, and the features and amenities at Perkins Eastman's Well Platinum-certified design studio.
Architects | Mar 23, 2021
Design firms KTGY, Simeone Deary Design Group unite to shape future of architectural design through experiential environments
With a bold vision to reshape how people experience spaces, residential design firm joins forces with interior design group, creating fully integrated architecture, branding, interiors and planning practice.