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
Affordable Housing | Aug 21, 2023
Essential housing: What’s in a name?
For many in our communities, rising rents and increased demand for housing means they are only one paycheck away from being unhoused. It’s time to stop thinking of affordable housing as a handout and start calling it what it is: Essential Housing.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 21, 2023
Sutter Health’s new surgical care center finishes three months early, $3 million under budget
Sutter Health’s Samaritan Court Ambulatory Care and Surgery Center (Samaritan Court), a three-story, 69,000 sf medical office building, was recently completed three months early and $3 million under budget, according to general contractor Skanska.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 18, 2023
Psychiatric hospital to feature biophilic elements, aim for net-zero energy
A new 521,000 sf, 350-bed behavioral health hospital in Lakewood, Wash., a Tacoma suburb, will serve forensic patients who enter care through the criminal court system, freeing other areas of campus to serve civil patients. The facility at Western State Hospital, to be designed by HOK, will promote a holistic approach to rehabilitation as part of the state’s vision for transforming behavioral health.
Vertical Transportation | Aug 17, 2023
Latest version of elevator safety code has more than 100 changes
A new version of ASME A17.1/CSA B44, a safety code for elevators, escalators, and related equipment developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, will be released next month.
Adaptive Reuse | Aug 16, 2023
One of New York’s largest office-to-residential conversions kicks off soon
One of New York City’s largest office-to-residential conversions will soon be underway in lower Manhattan. 55 Broad Street, which served as the headquarters for Goldman Sachs from 1967 until 1983, will be reborn as a residence with 571 market rate apartments. The 30-story building will offer a wealth of amenities including a private club, wellness and fitness activities.
Sustainability | Aug 15, 2023
Carbon management platform offers free carbon emissions assessment for NYC buildings
nZero, developer of a real-time carbon accounting and management platform, is offering free carbon emissions assessments for buildings in New York City. The offer is intended to help building owners prepare for the city’s upcoming Local Law 97 reporting requirements and compliance. This law will soon assess monetary fines for buildings with emissions that are in non-compliance.
Office Buildings | Aug 15, 2023
Amount of office space in U.S. is declining for the first time, says JLL
In what is likely a historic first, the amount of office space in the U.S. is forecast to decline in 2023, according to Jones Lang LaSalle. This would be the first net decline according to data going back to 2000, JLL says, and it’s likely the first decline ever.
Contractors | Aug 15, 2023
The average U.S. contractor has 9.3 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of July 2023
Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 9.3 months in July, according to an ABC member survey conducted July 20 to Aug. 4. The reading is up by 0.6 months since July 2022.
Fire-Rated Products | Aug 14, 2023
Free download: Fire-rated glazing 101 technical guide from the National Glass Association
The National Glass Association (NGA) is pleased to announce the publication of a new technical resource, Fire-Rated Glazing 101. This five-page document addresses how to incorporate fire-rated glazing systems in a manner that not only provides protection to building occupants from fire, but also considers other design goals, such as daylight, privacy and security.
Contractors | Aug 14, 2023
Fast-tracking construction projects offers both risk and reward
Understanding both the rewards and risk of fast-tracking a project can help owners, architects, engineers, and contractors maximize the benefits of this strategy and can bring great reward on all fronts when managed properly.