Temple Israel

   Temple Israel occupied a small wood framed building on a residential street in downtown Dover, NH. Growth of the congregation combined with a restrictive lot size had them feeling hemmed in and frustrated. When a beautiful wooded lot on a hillside on the outskirts of town became available they seized the opportunity.

Released from the confines of the in-town site our clients’ vision was of a building that looked outward, embracing the natural site. That vision, combined with the practical problem of expanding from 200 worshippers weekly to nearly three times that many on high holy days shaped the basic concept of the building. The need for expanded classroom space, a library, administrative offices and a large, walk-in kitchen rounded out the program. At the same time, cost was a serious consideration, requiring conventional construction techniques.

Our response was to place the raised bimah at the center of a flexible collection of interconnected spaces. By opening a folding wall, the sanctuary can be combined with the larger hall. By opening an exterior glass panel wall, the inside space can spill out to an outside terrace overlooking a pond and sloping meadow. A tent-like ceiling running inside and outside of the building ties the three spaces into a unified whole. The drum shaped shaft over the central bimah illuminates the proceedings with natural light. In this way a range of functions, from the small and intimate service to a really grand wedding can be accommodated in the same spaces with the same furniture and equipment.

Location: Dover, NH

Client: Temple Israel

Project description: New Worshiping facility

Completion Date:  Summer 2004

Entry Elevation

Building Elevations   Site Plan