Kol Emeth Center, the world’s first LEED Platinum, net zero and net zero water synagogue, opened recently in Palo Alto, Calif. The design gives nods to tradition and inspires a connection to the natural world as a source of spiritual well-being.
Unlike a traditional synagogue, the building’s flexible environment contains indoor and outdoor spaces that can be used individually or in combination. The structure was built using a strategic off-site fabrication strategy that minimized its construction footprint, including a shading lattice made from 2,200 timber shorts that were diverted from a landfill.
The complex consists of three independent structures that contain a sanctuary, classrooms, administrative offices, a multi-purpose room, and a garden. Airy, welcoming spaces promote flow between indoors and outdoors, connecting congregants both physically and visually to the natural world. Using simple but impactful features such as skylights, clerestory windows, and full-length sliding glass walls, Field Architecture created an environment that provides optimal daylighting and temperature control throughout the building.
The sanctuary, outdoor courtyard, and social hall are joined by an undulating canopy that filters natural light, creating a dynamic experience that changes as the sun moves throughout the day. The canopy emulates the traditional Jewish chuppah, and the 12 large wooden pillars supporting it represent the 12 tribes of Israel.
A delicate timber lattice wraps around the trio of buildings and evokes the traditional prayer shawls worn by Jews during worship while also modulating light and shade. Designed using parametric tools to optimize spacing, alignment, and rotation, the lattice imbues a centuries-old tradition with contemporary meaning. The front façade of the building integrates a garden serving as a living habitat showcasing native plants for the enjoyment of both congregants and neighborhood residents.
Congregation Kol Emeth has been a part of the Palo Alto community for 50 years.
On the building team:
Owner and/or developer: Congregation Kol Emeth
Design architect: Field Architecture
Architect of record: EID Architects
MEP engineer: Fard Engineers
Structural engineer: Mar Structural Design
General contractor/construction manager: Smith Hyder Construction
![Kol Emeth ext 2](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kol%20Emeth%20ext%202.jpeg)
![Kol Emeth Center int](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kol%20Emeth%20Center%20int.jpeg)
Related Stories
K-12 Schools | May 16, 2022
Private faculty offices are becoming a thing of the past at all levels of education
Perkins & Will’s recent design projects are using the area to encourage collaboration.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2022
AIA releases Justice in the Built Environment guide
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently published a new supplementary edition of the Guides for Equitable Practice, titled “Justice in the Built Environment.”
K-12 Schools | May 16, 2022
A Quaker high school in Maryland is the first in the U.S. to get WELL Gold certification
Designed by Stantec, a Quaker high school is the first in the US to receive WELL Gold certification, which recognizes a commitment to occupants’ health and well-being.
Building Team | May 13, 2022
Glass penthouses rise above Toronto’s tree line
In midtown Toronto, the nine-story midrise building Leaside Common has released its Penthouse Collection: two-floor penthouses that take inspiration from Philip Johnson’s Glass House in Connecticut.
Market Data | May 12, 2022
Monthly construction input prices increase in April
Construction input prices increased 0.8% in April compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today.
Codes and Standards | May 12, 2022
Solar industry creates non-profit to remove barriers to clean energy deployment
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is launching a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to accelerate the transition to carbon-free electricity.
School Construction | May 11, 2022
New Digital Learning Commons at Rutgers supports doctoral programs in over 16 disciplines
The new Digital Learning Commons at the Rutgers University Archibald S. Alexander Library provides students in over 16 courses of study and four professional schools with spacious collaborative and study space.
Esports Arenas | May 11, 2022
Design firm Populous partners with esports company on digital art NFT collection
Design firm Populous and multidiscipline esports organization Kansas City Pioneers have partnered on a five-part NFT collection.
Multifamily Housing | May 11, 2022
Kitchen+Bath AMENITIES – Take the survey for a chance at a $50 gift card
MULTIFAMILY DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION is conducting a research study on the use of kitchen and bath products in the $106 billion multifamily construction sector.
Building Team | May 11, 2022
Miami to get its first supertall building
After completing its first supertall building, 111 W 57th Street in New York, developer PMG is now preparing for the groundbreaking of the first supertall in Miami: Waldorf Astoria Miami.