Contemplative Temple Architecture

The Baton Rouge Temple was originally built in 2000. Demolition will consist of removing all MEP systems, interior framed walls, exterior wall, and roof finishes down to the framing, lighting, and plumbing fixtures, part of the mezzanine structure, tower structure down to footings, and the baptismal font and oxen. Only exterior and interior structural bearing walls and roof framing will be retained. Structural members will be replaced or repaired as necessary.

The renovated temple will result in a single-story 10,890 square foot wood and steel framed structure. A comprehensive precedent study was performed to realign the exterior and interior with the historic and classical architecture found in the southeast United States. The exterior has been redesigned to improve the overall massing, entry, and tower of the temple. As a result, the existing portico has been enclosed for a minimal addition to the building of 490 square feet. The tower’s steeple will be raised 10 feet from the existing height to better correspond to the revised entry. The new design will provide a high-performance envelope with an exterior clad in beige-colored limestone and new art glass window systems. The complete interior has been reconfigured to meet accessibility requirements, improve the overall functionality of ritual and support spaces, and increase the spatial volume of key areas of the temple. A new cast-in-place baptismal font, oxen, and complete interior finish package (e.g., furniture, fabrics, artwork, fixtures, decorative lighting, etc.) are included in this renovation. Both the exterior and interior design incorporates local architectural, cultural, and floral motifs to give the temple a distinct aesthetic tied to its geographic location and place. New MEP systems will be installed as part of the renovation with the air handler being placed at the base of the tower. Site improvements and new landscaping are also included in the project scope. Sidewalks, irrigation, fencing, site walls, and landscape around the building will be replaced as necessary during construction – replacing like for like. Site lighting for the sidewalks, stairs, and ramp around the building proper will also be added to address owner safety and security concerns. Parking lot lighting for the stalls around the immediate perimeter of the building will be replaced with new fixtures. A mechanical enclosure clad in manufactured stone, similar to the limestone, will be added to the site to screen a chiller and generator.