Providing Wall Heating Solutions for an Elephant…

Working closely with the team at Skandavale Monastery, we played a role in an extraordinary and carefully planned project: the creation of a purpose-designed home for Valli the Temple Elephant.

Valli has been part of life at Skandavale since 1981 and, for decades, has lived alongside the Shakti Temple with her devoted keeper, Swami Karuna. This new barn marks an important next chapter in her long and remarkable story.

Construction progressed at an impressive pace thanks to an innovative building system using hollow polystyrene blocks. Stacking together much like Lego, the blocks allowed the structure to take shape rapidly before being filled with concrete to create a strong, durable building. Beyond speed, the system offers another crucial advantage: excellent thermal insulation. This high-performance building fabric is ideal for heating solutions such as underfloor and wall heating, helping to maintain a stable and comfortable internal environment throughout the colder winter months.

As the structure came together, our wall heating system was carefully integrated into the build. Heating pipes were securely fixed to the steel framework between the polystyrene blocks, working in harmony with the building’s thermal mass and insulation. This approach reflects the same principles used in underfloor heating systems, delivering gentle, even heat distribution, improved energy efficiency and a calm, draught-free environment well suited to animal wellbeing.

The result is a thoughtfully engineered space that blends modern building techniques with deep respect for tradition, care and wellbeing. Designed with insulation, thermal performance and future-ready heating concepts in mind, it sets the scene for a truly unique story worth exploring further.

Visit website