A STUNNING £5m light-filled temple complex has been completed after the demolition of the original one.

The new White Eagle Lodge at Newlands near Liss is home to an international spiritual organisation founded by Grace Cooke and husband Ivan in 1936.

Using GPS co-ordinates for absolute accuracy, the new temple was built by Bear Construction on the east-west axis of an ancient pathway, or ley line.

It is believed by many that ley lines are part of a prehistoric worldwide network of electromagnetic energy.

This ‘path of light’, associated with the equinoctial sunrise, is acknowledged by a path through the gardens leading to the temple.

The new complex replaced a temple built in 1974, which was demolished, ground to aggregate and re-used in the building works.

The redevelopment began in March 2021 and includes a domed main temple with a central altar sitting in exactly the same place as its counterpart from the former temple.

There is also a cloistered walkway, lecture room, library, consultation and meditation rooms, reception area and kitchen.

White Eagle Lodge trustee Jason Wilson said: “One of the key phrases throughout this process was simplicity combined with beauty and we believe that has been achieved.

“This has exceeded all our expectations – not just on a physical but also on a spiritual level.”

Designed by architectural firm James Gorst and using stone and timber, the buildings are constructed from white brickwork, lime mortar and glass, supported by columns. The polished concrete floors have underfloor heating from a 24kw ground source heat pump, and solar panels provide electricity to reduce the buildings’ carbon footprint.

A series of small gardens, and focal points, have been created, providing an opportunity to pause and contemplate.

The temple is constructed from a series of enfolding arches.

Cast in 12 pieces, they reference the 12 concrete columns in the original temple, with the 12 zodiac signs displayed on an astrological wheel.

The arches support glass upstands, whose columns become the arches of the dome which sits above it.

The low arches and tall glass maximise the light which floods the building.

During the project, using GPS, Beard buried a copper star underneath the exact centre of the temple during the summer solstice of 2021.

Collaboration was a key part of the development and the Beard team liaised constantly with the customer and the architect to ensure their vision was realised.

Beard director Mike Hedges said: “Beard’s philosophy is to build with ambition and the White Eagle Lodge project embodies that ethos.

“Simplicity is often difficult to achieve, particularly given the unique architectural challenges and pinpoint accuracy required for this build.

“But we have succeeded in handing over a building which realises the simple yet precise vision of the White Eagle Lodge movement for its new temple, leaving a timeless legacy for generations to come.”