Tara Hills on the move: new kitchen, common room and library

The Lifeflow Meditation Centre has begun 2006 with an exciting new project to completely rebuild the Tara Hills kitchen and common room, and create a new space for our extensive library. Tara Hills is the Centre's principal retreat property, about 45 minutes drive from Adelaide. Due to the popularity of the weekend and week long retreats there, the old kitchen was struggling to cope with the numbers. The old kitchen had a nice ambience, but the chefs found it too cramped and awkward to work in properly. The Centre was a recipient of a generous bequest in 2000, and part of that money is being used for this building. In addition, a number of members have donated time and money to enable the building to be completed this year.

January 2006 – it starts with this space...

Building work began with the demolition of the old shed in early January this year. After digging up more rock than expected, the cement foundation (pictured) was laid latter that month. Work had to stop until the cement was ready - mid February.

February 2006

Main framework completed.

March 2006

The 15 metre beam that forms the central ridge of the roof arrives.

April 2006

With the central roof beam in place the roofing timbers are added. The first fitting of electrical cables followed, then the roof itself.

The stained glass windows

Two beautiful glass windows arrived in early May - specially freighted over from Gordon Wright's studio in Canada. Installed two days after arrival, they add a wonderfully vibrant finish to the common room.

May 2006

Once the roof was installed, the outside walls were filled in and then work began on the inside. The view from inside is stunning - like the sky is open above you.

October 2006
– official opening

A crowd of over 150 people attended the official opening of the new building. The day featured the cool sounds of the Dave Telfer trio, plus a generous spread for lunch.

Official opening of the new building by Lifeflow member Kevin Burrett.

The building is greatly appreciated for its abundant light, use of the natural views and practical functionality, and it continues to be a joy to use.

In the beginning ... an architect's inspiration

In 2004 the Lifeflow Centre engaged an Adelaide based architect, Kirsty Hewitt to design a new kitchen and common room area. Part of the design brief was to allow the new building to make full use of the surrounding views.

Glass from Canada

Gordon Wright, an architectural stained glass artist, has kindly offered to construct two stained glass windows. The windows, each to be about 2 metres in height, will feature a selection of hand blown glasses from Europe. The windows are actually stylised representation of when the mind is clear and naturally radiant (as covered in the Level 3 and 4 Yoga-Tantra modules).