Glastonbury, CT

Using materials and motifs familiar to historic Glastonbury, notably wood shingle siding and classical columns, this modest project repurposed an existing building (a former Knights of Columbus hall) for classrooms and a library. The new sanctuary and social hall addition completes the dramatic transformation. A sweeping loggia creates layers of space and mediates between exterior and interior, dramatizing the experience of moving from the temporal to the spiritual. The most noticeable, unifying design element is the continuous drape of the roof.

Once inside, the vertical space of the entrance lobby, soaring to the light above, creates a sense of uplift and expectation. The Star of David cut into the vertical wall plane above the sanctuary doors serves as a powerful icon of Judaism and a ceremonial gateway to the sanctuary beyond. Here, an historic ark dating from the 1800s is given a suitable new home. The gabled end embraces this sacred artifact, bathing it with diffuse natural light.

A major design issue, common to all synagogues is how to reconcile the need for capacity and intimacy. A concealed movable wall between the sanctuary and social hall combined with the orientation of the ark allows the sanctuary space to be extended easily.