LIGHTHOUSE | SYNAGOGUE DESIGN
Rejuvenation of a an old synagogue building with not only a cosmetic face lift in mind but also an ecologically oriented design. The mindset was to bring the community involvement in by replacing the fences with terraces and opening the garden to the public. External illumination is celebrating nature being 100% powered by green energy cultivated using solar power photo-voltaic technology.
WHAT
The 1947 building for the synagogue was built with great care and attention, served the community loyaly and well for many years. The rejuvenation of the building came after recurrent events of leaks and electricity failures, lack of a gathering area at the entrance and a dream to show the community's gratitude for creation.
The rejuvenation of the old synagogue building was not only a cosmetic face lift but also an ecologically oriented design process, one which gave birth to a sustainable, comfortable and elegant community center.
The mindset was to bring the community involvement in by replacing the fences with terraces and opening the garden to the public. External illumination is celebrating nature being 100% powered by green energy cultivated using solar power photo-voltaic technology.
WHY
The opportunity to bring ecological design to an old building, nonetheless a synagogue is an exciting task not to be missed. The gentle balance between ancient, old, new, modern and costumes was our guide in this process of design and execution.
WHERE
In the heart of one of the most religious cities in the Israel a local synagogue was chosen for a major face lift. The surrounding area is vast plantation of one story villas with mutual design characteristic of a modest local adaptation of the International Style to a warm and sun filled climate. Most of the community engages with the synagogues activities which became one of the hot spots for public gatherings, celebration hosting and of course religious practice.
The goal was to achieve a public oriented complex with a warm welcoming soft haze of light surrounding it and proclaiming the area without walls and fences - thus the inner garden could be enjoyed and used by the guests of the synagogue and the public.
Although a modern design could be easily achieved a more traditional facade was chosen in order to soften the acceptance of a new entity into the neighborhood. Great respect was given to the opinion of the community and the elegant integration of the rejuvenated synagogue with its surroundings.
HOW
Rejuvenation of a an old synagogue building with not only a cosmetic face lift in mind but also an ecologically oriented design. The mindset was to bring the community involvement in by replacing the fences with terraces and opening the garden to the public.
External illumination is celebrating nature being 100% powered by green energy cultivated using solar power photo-voltaic technology.
The main pergola is decorated with LED soft illumination, carefully concealed in designated niches, on one side and photo-voltaic solar panels on the other, hidden from sight.
The look and feel remains that of conventional local building but the design conceals top sustainable technologies. At dusk the LED lights begin to softly illuminate the area, producing more and more light as night takes over the neighborhood. The parameter's poles surrounding the terraces, support the main gate, message board and contain soft illumination as well, marking the entrance and the border of the garden.
WHO
The Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) is the umbrella organization of all the Reform communities and institutions in Israel.
IMPJ seeks to integrate Jewish tradition with the realities of modern life, and believe in the right of each individual to shape their own Jewish way of life through a process of study and reflection. The Reform movement emphasizes the commandments concerning relations between humans, religious tolerance, and full equality between women and men in the synagogue and in all walks of life.
