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Sanctuary Progress Report & Vision 3.12.26

Milestone Achievements: Completion of Phases 1–5We are proud to announce that the primary structural envelope of the Sanctuary is now complete. This monumental effort represents the "bones and shell" of our new sacred space, achieved through sustainable practices and masterful craftsmanship.

Foundation & Infrastructure: Completion of footings, crawl space slab, and proactive sub-slab Radon evacuation system.
Renewable Structure: Wall construction utilizing the Faswall green building system.
Heavy Timber Artistry: The intricate installation of heavy timber roof beams and tongue-and-groove roof decking, crafted by New Energy Works (McMinnville, OR).
The Copper Crown: Installation of the stunning pure copper standing-seam metal roof.
The Beacon: Completion of the custom-engineered pyramid skylight, bringing natural light into the heart of the space.

The Vision for 2026: Finishing the SanctuaryAs we move into the final stages, our focus shifts to the fine details that will breathe life into the building. The upcoming work is divided into three transformative phases.

Phase 6: Exterior Integration & AestheticsOur goal is to harmonize the Sanctuary with the surrounding landscape while ensuring its longevity.

The Building Envelope: Installation of stone window sills, high-efficiency windows, and the final application of exterior stucco.
Accessibility & Grace: Construction of the exterior porch, steps, and floor.
Landscape Harmony: Completion of foundation drains, followed by the restoration of surrounding pathways and native landscaping.

Phase 7: The Interior SanctuaryThis phase focuses on warmth, light, and the "spirit" of the wood.

Climate & Comfort: Installation of the crawl space infrastructure, including the hydronic heating controls and two high-efficiency Heat Recovery & Ventilation (HRV) units to ensure an efficient, healthy, breathable environment.

Structural Flooring: Completion of floor framing and the installation of the hydronic tubing system for radiant floor heating.
Sacred Materials: In a tribute to the land, we are using fir wood milled from a single large tree harvested on-site post-fire. This wood will be used for: Custom window and door trim. Interior tongue-and-groove wall paneling.
Final Finishes: Installation of hardwood floors in the main room, stone tile in the entryway, and the handcrafted benches and coat hooks that will welcome every guest.

Phase 8: Ellis Island Memorial Structure
The final touch to the Sanctuary grounds will be the completion of Ellis Island.

Stone & Warmth: Installation of stone benches and floor tiling.
Year-Round Comfort: Integration of hydronic heating within the stone benches, creating a warm, contemplative outdoor space regardless of the season.

Sanctuary Vignettes

Sanctuary Rebuilding Community Gatherings

Ram Dass was one of our first teachers!

Every village has a church. Every ashram has a temple.

The purpose and power of Sacred Geometry.

Eric Ellis taught meditative daily well-being programs.

We Appreciate YOUR Support!

DONATE TO THE SANCTUARY REBUILD

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Sanctuary Discussions Recording Library:

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Behold the rebirth of our Sanctuary, rising from the ashes with an enhanced vision!

Imagine stepping across the threshold onto a luxuriously warm, hydronically heated stone floor. Here, you can shed the outside world – kick off your shoes and hang your coat on the continuous, handcrafted wood peg coat racks, thoughtfully placed above benches fashioned from our very own Breitenbush lumber.

Just beyond, a short hallway leads you to a set of exquisite, handcrafted French doors. Their leaded beveled glass panels hint at the grandeur within. As you open them, prepare to be enveloped by the great room, now an expansive haven, two and a half times larger than its cherished predecessor. We have thoughtfully eliminated all steps, ensuring seamless wheelchair access for everyone.

To your left in the hallway, a discreet storage closet awaits, offering yoga mats and meditation cushions, inviting you to settle into stillness.

Upon entering the Sanctuary's great room, your gaze will be drawn heavenward in awe. A majestic heavy timber framed pyramid-shaped ceiling soars above as in the old Santuary. At its apex, a breathtaking 10-foot by 10-foot pyramid skylight floods the space with natural light, its dimensions echoing the sacred geometry of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Beneath your feet, the rich hardwood floor radiates a gentle warmth from its own hydronic heating system.
The great room is bathed in natural light from numerous opening casement windows and expansive 48" by 96" picture windows. Thoughtfully positioned just 18 inches above the floor, these windows offer an uninterrupted, breathtaking panorama of Devils Peak and the surrounding, inspiring landscape even while seated in quiet contemplation.

As dusk settles, the great room transforms with subtly dimmable banks of both uplights and downlights, allowing for the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

Throughout the year, a whisper-quiet Heat-Recovery-Ventilation system will ensure a constant flow of fresh, clean air. And during the warmth of summer, discreetly placed vent fans around the base of the skylight will silently exhaust any rising heat, maintaining a comfortable and serene environment.

For yoga and meditation sessions, a state-of-the-art sound system will be seamlessly integrated, offering instructors the convenience of wireless mic headsets and handheld microphones to guide practices with clarity and ease, or to fill the space with soothing melodies.

This new Sanctuary is more than a reconstruction; it is a rebirth, thoughtfully designed to embrace all who enter with warmth, light, and a profound sense of connection to the natural beauty that surrounds us.