Nan Hai Pu Tuo Buddhist Temple and Retreat, Sellicks Beach

At 18 metres in height, the granite Buddha statue is set to become an instant icon for South Australia

A new type of project for Tectvs and indeed for South Australia, the Nan Hai Pu Tuo Buddhist Temple and Retreat represents a substantial investment into the Southern Coastline of Sellicks Beach.

Key to the project is its centre-piece: an 18-metre-tall granite Buddha hand-carved from China alongside a 35-metre traditional pagoda structure. The scale of the project is unprecedented for South Australia, with the 18m tall Buddha shaping up to be an icon for the State. The project uses traditional Chinese craftsmanship alongside modern techniques to ensure a tourism drawcard for the State that is forecast to generate in excess of 20,000 visitors annually. Tectvs was engaged as the Architect due to our ability to manage the various difficulties and challenges of such a unique build. The project faces challenges with foundation and materials being unfamiliar to local trades, with the pagoda constructed out of Chinese building and joinery techniques.