flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

First LEED Platinum, net zero and net zero water synagogue opens

First LEED Platinum, net zero and net zero water synagogue opens

Includes indoor and outdoor spaces that can be used individually or in combination.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | September 15, 2022
Kol Emeth Center ext
Courtesy Field Architecture.

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
Courtesy Field Architecture.
Kol Emeth Center int
Courtesy Field Architecture.

 

Related Stories

| Sep 25, 2014

Jean Nouvel unveils plans for National Art Museum of China

Of the design, Nouvel describes it as inspired by the simplicity of “a single brush stroke.” 

Sponsored | | Sep 25, 2014

Your business doesn’t always need to change

By now, the idea that organizations must adapt to maintain both relevance and market share is so ingrained that it’s been reduced to pithy sayings. But is constant adaptation always the best policy? SPONSORED CONTENT

| Sep 24, 2014

Must see: Semi-submerged hotel planned for Qatar's man-made island

Plans for a new hotel in the Persian Gulf are taking Dubai’s Palm Islands concept to a whole new level—underwater, that is.

| Sep 24, 2014

5 business lessons from a 43-year Star veteran

Mary Ed Cain was supposed to be born a boy. That was the first time she surprised everyone. The second time came on a daily basis during her 43-year career at Star Building Systems. SPONSORED CONTENT

| Sep 24, 2014

Architecture billings see continued strength, led by institutional sector

On the heels of recording its strongest pace of growth since 2007, there continues to be an increasing level of demand for design services signaled in the latest Architecture Billings Index.

| Sep 24, 2014

Frank Gehry's first building in Latin America will host grand opening on Oct. 2

Gehry's design for the Biomuseo, or Museum of Biodiversity, draws inspiration from the site's natural and cultural surroundings, including local Panamaian tin roofs.

| Sep 23, 2014

Third phase of New York’s High Line redevelopment opens

The $35 million Phase 3, known as High Line at the Rail Yards, broke ground September 20, 2012, and officially opened to the public on September 21.

| Sep 23, 2014

Designing with Water: Report analyzes ways coastal cities can cope with flooding

The report contains 12 case studies of cities around the world that have applied advanced flood management techniques. 

| Sep 22, 2014

Sound selections: 12 great choices for ceilings and acoustical walls

From metal mesh panels to concealed-suspension ceilings, here's our roundup of the latest acoustical ceiling and wall products. 

| Sep 19, 2014

Smithsonian Institution opens LEED Platinum lab facility

The Charles McC. Mathias Laboratory will emit 37% less CO2 than a comparable lab that does not meet LEED-certification standards.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Museums

The Tampa Museum of Art will soon undergo a $110 million expansion

In Tampa, Fla., the Tampa Museum of Art will soon undergo a 77,904-sf Centennial Expansion project. The museum plans to reach its $110 million fundraising goal by late 2024 or early 2025 and then break ground. Designed by Weiss/Manfredi, and with construction manager The Beck Group, the expansion will redefine the museum’s surrounding site.


Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.


halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021