West End Synagogue Sanctuary Renovation

Project Statement

Our clients approached us to help redesign and refresh the previously renovated sanctuary and social hall interiors that were showing signs of wear, were very dark, and dated. The new sanctuary rehabilitation utilizes elements from the architectural theories of the original architect, Percival Goodman, to be harmonious with the original design.

Percival Goodman occupies a unique place in the development of synagogue art and architecture for rethinking how to meld millennia of history, tradition, ritual, and community with modernity and cement its place in the future. In this respect Goodman's design for the West End Synagogue is a case study in the development of modern American synagogue architecture.

The new sanctuary and social hall interiors included: new finishes, a redesigned Bimah and Ark, new acoustically treated ceilings, new lighting, new HVAC systems, and a new sound system. Exterior glass at the clerestory windows was replaced with high-efficiency, translucent glass to control daylighting and improve the energy efficiency of the space and the original Goodman designed window pattern in the windows was repaired and repainted. While the refresh was extensive, the rooms and their use remain primarily as they were originally intended.

The redesign employs contemporary, high-efficiency systems, like LED lighting and high-volume/low-velocity air conditioning systems, while the refreshed material palette, styles, and patterns in the spaces would be familiar to any designer of the 1940s and 50s. Marble walls with oak trim, Venetian plaster, custom hand-made glass, custom oak furniture, stone tile, and carpet brighten the space to create a soaring place of prayer and reverence that is respectful of Goodman's creation.

The most unique feature of the new design is the mobile bimah or stage featuring custom cast glass doors and a custom hand-made Ner Tamid on the Ark. Like many liturgical buildings the West End Synagogue asks that the congregation face east when at prayer. During the holidays the size of the congregation swells beyond the capacity of the existing sanctuary and needs to overflow into the social hall in the next room to the east. Since the sanctuary is on the west side of the social hall and the congregation wants to face east, this overflow is accommodated by moving the bimah through the new glass folding wall during the holidays.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

**Design for Integration**

The Khal Kodesh Adath Israel congregation dates to the 1850s, near the time when Nashville was named the capital of Tennessee. The cornerstone for the synagogue's current sanctuary was laid in 1950 for a building designed by architect, urban theorist, and lecturer at Columbia's graduate school of architecture, Percival Goodman, FAIA (1904-1989). The building shares many of the ideas and motifs of Mr. Goodman's modernist synagogue designs that have been called "a significant milestone for synagogue art and architecture."

 

**Design for Equitable Communities**

While many undervalue historic buildings from the 1950s and 60s and would uncaringly raze this lovely building to make space for more condominiums or apartments, the Synagogue recognizes how this building and their place in the neighborhood matters. This renovation in particular places the synagogue in a position to extend their service to West End and broader Nashville communities for many years to come.


**Design for Economy**

Our team worked closely with the Synagogue and their Owner’s Representative to design a facility that would expand their holiday service seating capacity and improve their social gathering facilities within the confines of the existing building without reducing or displacing any other necessary services.


**Design for Energy**

Enhancing the 1950s era building envelope to meet today’s energy needs was an important aspect of the renovation. Important energy reduction strategies included new high-efficiency climate systems, new low-wattage LED lighting, spray-foam exterior wall insulation and air barrier where there was none, new roof insulation, and new high-efficiency glass in the existing clerestory windows. These systems not only improved the energy efficiency of the building; they improved the daylighting quality, acoustical environment, and interior climate as well.