The Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was constructed on the banks of the Snake River during World War II and was dedicated in 1945. It is considered a historical structure and was the tenth temple built by the church. Over the past seventy years five major additions were completed. NWL Architects was tasked with identifying the best details and materials from the original art deco building and incorporating them into the remainder of the building. The project includes renovation of the 85,000 square foot temple, including replacing the entire mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, seismic upgrades, and replacing of all the interior finishes except for the original murals and stone panels. The murals were carefully protected and then conserved. Sensors were installed to monitor vibrations during demolition and reconstruction to mitigate damage to the fragile murals. The original quarries in Europe were located and stone was secured for the additions. BIM software has been essential in coordinating the building’s mechanical and electrical systems within an extremely tight floor to floor dimension. The project’s scope also includes replacing the existing roofing systems with a new energy efficient PVC roofing membrane and where possible insulating the perimeter of the building.

‍

Photo Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Intellectual Reserve