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Go here for Progress in Pictures
Go here for Project News 2009 Go here for Project News 2010
December 18th, 2008 – Sound Insulation and Dry Walls
The work continues through these wintery months. The Abbey residents placed sound insulation in the interior walls last weekend before the drywall team came in to hang the sheet rock. The drywall team was very efficient, moving quickly through the upstairs rooms and then through the downstairs level.
The outside of Gotami House is almost complete. When our sheet rock team completes the mudding and texturing, the Abbey community will save resources by painting the walls ourselves.
December 7, 2008 – Roof, Siding, & Insulation
The exterior work is getting finished up for the winter. The roofers worked fast, covering the titanium roof skin with shingles. The siding will be completed early next week. From the outside, Gotami House really looks like a house!
On the inside, the insulation team took two days to blow in the “green” insulating foam that will keep Gotami House warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This insulation completely seals the walls and is much superior to normal fiberglass insulation in how it functions to hold the heat in.
As one worker blows foamy insulation into the walls, it then expands in seven seconds and hardens. Then another worker shaves the foam-like substance so that it’s smooth and flat for the drywall which will cover it.
Now the Abbey communty will do the work of insulating the interior walls, mostly for sound reduction, with more traditional fiberglass batting.
November 21, 2008 – It’s All in the Details
Thomas’ construction crew is engaged with what they do best—focusing on the details. The kind of work they’re doing now marks the difference between an average house and a well-made house.
The trim for each window is notched and carefully placed to ensure that rain water runs off onto the ground instead of collecting beneath the trim. The circular framing for a round sky-light in the entry vestibule shows beautiful workmanship. Even the sealing around the ouside faucets gets attention.
The electrician has nearly finished his “rough-in” work, and the electrical inspection is pending. Although they’ve just begin the siding, you can already see how Gotami House will blend into its meadow and forest setting. Roofing is schedled to begin next week.
November 7, 2008 – Going Underground
While the visible work of Gotami House continues, John’s crew has been back with their big machines for more digging. This time they installed the septic system in the meadow below Gotami House. At the same time, in the meadow at the top of the hill, they’ve been testing the new water system. It is now supplying fresh water to the main house and will be connected to Gotami House when the plumbing is finished. More giant machines came last week to excavate and place the pipes for the geothermal heating system.
Abbey residents and volunteers are also working, collecting large branches from the forest and hauling them down to cover the freshly turned earth in our meadows. The boughs will prevent winter erosion so we can re-seed the meadows with native grasses next spring.
The plumber has installed the pipes and the electrician is starting the wiring for Gotami House.
October 13, 2008 – A Beautiful Building
Gotami House is changing so fast these days that the best report is a visual one. Check out the photos on Progress in Pictures to get an idea of how far the construction has come.
Meanwhile, John and his crew have dug the trenches for the new water system. They have laid pipe from the well up to the five 3000-gallon tanks in the meadow, then back to all the Abbey buildings. The tanks are filling with water right now, and John is beginning to test the flow at various points in the system. The system they are installing now will provide water for all the future buildings the Abbey’s master plan.
September 17, 2008 - Gotami House Starting to Emerge
The builders have made a great deal of progress in the last eight days. With all the water storage tanks in place, the plumbing to connect them almost finished, and the well upgrade on its way, the water system is really coming along.
The framers have neatly sewed up the lower floor, and the main floor isnÕt far off. The walls are up and sheathed and almost ready for roof trusses.
Rough backfilling has begun, and weÕre starting to see how beautifully Gotami House fits into the landscape.
As Gotami House emerges before our eyes, we are amazed at the kindness of our supporters and workers.
September 9, 2008 - Insulation
While the professionals continue with framing, the Abbey residents are making a contribution too. Thomas, our contractor, has been conscientious about assigning jobs that the Abbey residents can do. This week, Ven. Jampel is supervising a crew to add insulation to the outer basement walls. By doing the unskilled labor tasks ourselves, the Abbey saves money, ensuring wise use of our benefactors' resources.
September 4, 2008 - Walls and Water Tanks
The framers are working early and late to construct the skeletal structure of Gotami House. Meanwhile, the new water system is underway. Trucks are in the upper meadow this morning, carefully maneuvering 15,000-pound water tanks up the steep hill. These buried tanks will store water pumped from the well to supply Gotami House and all the Abbey’s present and future buildings.
It’s interesting how our perceptions change as the different parts of the building come into existence. When there was just a hole in the ground, we thought Gotami House looked too big. Once the concrete was poured, we thought it was looking a little small. Now, as the downstairs rooms are identifiable, we think it’s just right.
August 25, 2008 - Pouring the Slab
Great news! Working around persistent rains, the basement floor was poured yesterday. The Exploring Monastic Life gang lent a hand, carrying boards from the barn to supports a giant tarp that protected the fresh concrete. Thomas with his construction crew and Bill with his concrete crew put in a long day's work--some of them were out there until 10:00 last night!
Their heroic efforts really paid off. We went to visit the site this morning and it looks great. Take a look at some of the pictures we took. Once the slab has dried, the framers can get to work to get this building off the ground.
August 9, 2008 - The First "Pour"
The concrete truck arrived early on Tuesday, and the crew finished the job quickly, pouring the footings for the foundation of Gotami House. The next day, another crew started building the forms for the concrete foundation walls. The concrete crew will return this week for the second “pour.”
Coincidentally, the first “pour” occurred on the anniversary of the Buddha’s first teaching, the Four Noble Truths. Venerable Chodron noted that it was very auspicious that the crew was pouring the foundation—making the Dharma solid and firm in America (at least on the physical level)—on the anniversary of the day the Buddha made the Dharma solid and firm in our world.
“Now let’s make the Dharma solid and firm in our minds as well,” she counseled, “and pass it on others.”
July 31, 2008 - We Have the Permit!
We hit a snag in the permitting process, but our amazing building team ironed out the wrinkles, and the county approved the plans. The foundation crew has already built the forms for the foundation, and we expect the inspector tomorrow. Once he gives his approval, we’re ready to pour concrete for the foundation.
July 22, 2008 - A Solid Foundation
There’s a lot of activity around the Abbey. Big yellow earth-movers are digging into the building site, and engineers, contractors, and sub-contractors are coming and going to help us make the final decisions necessary to build Gotami House.
- Excavation for Gotami House’s foundation is nearly complete!
- We are starting to build the forms to pour the concrete footings.
- Our most kind and efficient power company has laid the primary power and phone lines to the building site.
- We met with Jennifer Hedge, a builder’s design consultant who is knowledgeable about “green” products. Jennifer showed us earth-friendly choices for siding, carpeting, and flooring. We are considering flooring made from commercially-grown, renewable hardwoods and carpeting that doesn’t off-gas toxic chemicals. We are also hoping to avoid products that use formaldehyde. These options will be weighed against cost to find a balance between environmental concerns and fiscal conservation.
- From the beginning, in keeping with the Abbey’s commitment to mindful and compassionate stewardship of the land and resources, we have planned to incorporate Green Building principles into the construction project wherever we can. Our values include:
- Protecting life and preventing the loss of life during and after construction
- Being energy efficient, especially in terms of reducing electrical load and heat loss
- Making sure the building materials are cost-effective and sustainable as well as healthy
- Designing the building for low maintenance
- Using fire resistant materials
- Ensuring health for humans and the environment
July 6, 2008 - Generosity and Aspiration
A wonderful outpouring of generosity has brought the Abbey closer to the $1.1 million needed to complete the building project. Meanwhile, pre-planning, designing, and permitting continue, and we are one step closer to building Gotami House.
- Benefactors made nearly 400 offerings totaling $137,884 in response to the $121,000 matching challenge, and gifts are still coming in. We're rejoicing in all the positive potential created by this kindness.
- Click here to read the beautiful prayer of aspiration for everyone involved in the project and for Sravasti Abbey itself.
- The design for the primary power of the master plan is complete, and we have contracted with North Lights Electrical. Starting next week, Northern Lights' Bill McGraw and the Public Utility District will be bringing in the power for the monastic residence, the retreat cabin, and to accommodate constructions needs.
June 27, 2008 - Permit Pending
The construction of Gotami House and the related infrastructure is a minute by minute teaching on interdependence. So many people and pieces are involved: contractors, engineers, plumbers, electricians, county officials, construction workers, benefactors, volunteers, and Abbey residents. Each new step depends on completing the step before it. This is where we are today.
- The septic permit has been approved.
- Thomas, our contractor, has submitted the papers to the county office that issues building permits.
- Meanwhile, the fire road is all set for the building crews to drive in.
- The Abbey is stocking up on lemonade to offer to the construction crews. We know they'll be showing up soon, and we'll want to show them how much we appreciate their efforts.
June 10, 2008 - Thunder Roared and the Bulldozer Rolled
With a clap of thunder that rolled down the hills of Sravasti Abbey's land, we concluded the special puja that launched the construction phase of our building project. And on Tuesday, June 10, John arrived with his bulldozer and crew to begin the road. Digging has begun!
- Ven. Chodron conducted the ceremony, setting the intention that all animals that could be harmed or displaced by our building- the voles, moles, worms, ants, caterpillars, and so on, as well as the large animals-be safe throughout the entire process.
- We also dedicated that all the people involved in the project in any way-designers, builders, permit-issuers, makers of the materials, benefactors, and so on-will reap wonderful benefits from the seeds of positive potential planted in their hearts and minds.
- Right before the ceremony, a broad rainbow appeared across the valley to the east. At the end, the thunderous roar preceded a torrential downpour. A flurry of unseasonable snowflakes fell early the next morning, reminding us of Chenrezig's raining compassion, and we saw a doe standing in the meadow on the site of Gotami House-auspicious beginnings for an auspicious undertaking!
May 26, 2008 — Ready, Set... and Soon to Go
Before construction comes hours and weeks of investigation and planning. That’s the project phase we’re in right now. Venerable Tarpa, Abbey project laison, is lining up all the skilled people who will help the Abbey bring Gotami House into reality. “The building plans are 90% complete,” she said, “and the water system design is 90% complete.” That means we’re on our way!
- John, who will excavate for the septic system and the foundation, dug test holes for the drainfeld. The Abbey’s soil passes his test.
- Fire Chief Chris approved the route for the road that will give fire vehicles access to Gotami House and the forest.
- Meanwhile, we are rejoicing in the newly expanded kitchen and dining area. We easily fed the twenty-five people here for the Memorial Day retreat.
- In appreciation for the kindness of our generous Singapore donors, the Abbey community and Friends of Sravasti Abbey sent a video thank you. To see it, click here.
April 15, 2008
So much has happened in the last month! We are very happy to share with you so many great accomplishments:
- The kitchen remodel is 98% complete! The entire Abbey community worked harmoniously, diligently, and happily to transform the kitchen to accomodate many more people. Just in time too - Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Tegchok arrived yesterday to give teachings on the Precious Garland.
- While in Singapore, Venerable Chodron signed the contract with Thomas Orjala of NorthIda Homes - thus making the relationship official. This is an important step for the Abbey, and the ceremony was filmed and recorded by Venerable's students in Singapore.
- An engineer has been selected - Kevin Koesel of Sewell and Associates. Kevin will be designing a new water system to support the Abbey's master plan - a big task indeed!
- Venerable Chodron's recent visit to Malaysia and Singapore helped to generate a great deal of interest and enthusiasm about the new building project. The Abbey community feels humbled by their great kindness and generosity.
March 14, 2008
- A kind benefactor - who wishes to remain anonymous - has generously offered a matching gift of $100,000. He cares about establishing the Sangha in America and has made his offering to generate additional support for the building project. Gifts and pledges must be made by May 19 to qualify for the match.
- Sravasti Abbey has selected a general contractor for the Gotami House project - Thomas Orjala of NorthIda Homes. Thomas brings 30 years of experience and specializes in the construction of custom homes.
- Jampel and his father Carl have been busy remodelling the kitchen. After nearly a week, the demolition, electric and new wall are complete. All in all, the remodel is going slightly ahead of schedule.
February 27, 2008
Greetings everyone! Following is a brief progress report:
- Although the building site is still under three feet of snow, spring is coming! After a series of warm and sunny days, the familiar sights and sounds of winter are giving way to patches of earth and spring birdsongs. Once the snow melts and the mud dries, we can start putting in the road and other infrastructure.
- After an extensive and careful process of interviewing, our Resident Liaison Ven. Tarpa and Carl Wilmot are about ready to select the general contractor for this project. Check back soon for the announcement.
- The kitchen remodel crew is gearing up for a start date of March 8. Carl Wilmot (aka Thubten Jampel) has been hard at work collecting all the needed materials - flooring, countertop, appliances (and lots more). And although our kitchen will be a no-cook zone for some time, an anonymous donor sent us a hot-plate, so no need to worry!
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