Changing plans into reality

Six months can make so much difference to the life of any construction project. From the time of the first turf cutting in November last year to the present we have seen the plans gradually start to become reality.

The first phase occupies the lower part of the site. The 60 boys will be accommodated in five dormitories each with room for 12 beds arranged in bunks together with some storage and small study areas. Bathroom facilities will be shared. This phase will also include some accommodation for the guests who visit and support the orphanage. The floor plans below show the layout of the site- four storeys high and a great mix of accommodation and living space:

The first part of Phase 2 will see the demolition of the block where Pema Bhante’s office is currently located as well as some of the existing dormitories. These will be replaced by new staff and office accommodation.  The last part of the redevelopment will see the new kitchen, dining room and prayer room together with the new area for the girls. The detail of this is being redesigned to provide smaller rooms which can be occupied by different age groups.

The first indication of how it might look came when architecture and engineering students at the University of the West of England in Bristol who have been taking an interest in the project produced a 3-D model. And now at last we can see how the plans are shaping up on the ground! Take a look at the model below and see how it brings the development to life.