Congregation Beth David Synagogue
Passive Solar Straw Bale Construction
“The architects also drew inspiration from the site itself. As well as creating a building that utilizes the sun and wind for light, heating and cooling, its flowing quality expresses their understanding of the site as a place of wind and birds. Even the shape of the sanctuary, inside and out, brings to mind the sweep of wind and birds in flight.”
-Leslie Cohn, Beth David Design Committee
GREEN BUILDING FEATURES:
-Passive solar design for natural ventilation, passive heating and cooling and daylighting.
-Straw bale construction to conserve resources and divert waste.
-Stained concrete radiant floor slab.
-Native & drought tolerant award winning landscaping.
-Solar Electric photovoltaic system for clean & renewable electricity production.
Client: Congregation Beth David
Completion: November 2006
Project Type: Assembly
Architects: Ken Haggard, Polly Cooper, Richard Beller
Exterior Design
The entry plaza is crowned with a trellis representing the traditional priestly benediction. An area to the south is reserved for an olive orchard that will screen the overflow parking. Parking is available for 183 cars and 12 bicycles.
Interior Design
The design emphasizes maximum flexibility. The sanctuary seats 337. Capacity is expandable to 460 with removable soundproof partitions. The social hall is expandable for social gatherings, conferences, dining, concerts and classes.
Accessibility features include wide corridors, gentle ramps and lever door handles to accommodate people with disabilities.
Finish materials used include non-toxic paint and carpeting, recycled newsprint insulation, handtroweled strawbale walls, and “Pyrok” acoustical ceiling treatment.
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