Understated approach for synagogue
New synagogues aren't built very often in Melbourne, but when they are, the word quickly gets out in the community.
"I think the last synagogue built was at least 15 years ago," said architect Chris Idle, director of Idle Architecture, who worked closely with associate Evan Cooper. "It was certainly something that had been on the mind of this community [the Chabad Synagogue] for some time. Our first meetings with them started in 2004."
The Chabad Synagogue had been operating from a 1960s community centre-style building for several years. One option was to renovate and extend, while the other was to create a new synagogue, customised to accommodate up to 800 people.
"It would have been problematic to accommodate that number in the original building. It would have been a series of compromises," Idle said.
The new synagogue in South Caulfield features a bold and striking facade with eight striations of timber, each illuminated by a single light source.
"The eight branches reference the menorah [candlestick] used for the Hanukkah festival," said Rabbi Riesenberg. "But it's quite a subtle interpretation."
As well as references to the menorah, the synagogue's facade, with its angular forms, alludes to movement, in particular the movement of the Jewish people around the world.
"We wanted to create a strong dynamic form, rather than something which appeared static," said Idle, who included copper soffits to animate the exterior.
The two-storey synagogue opens to a laneway-style foyer, finished in a patchwork of limestone tiles. The lobby, with a double-height void, also provides an important gathering space for larger functions.
And for even larger functions or significant holidays when numbers increase, timber bi-fold doors between the function area and lobby are pulled back.
"One of our main concerns was that the synagogue felt intimate rather than overwhelming. There's definitely a worldwide trend for smaller and more bespoke synagogues which feel welcoming," Rabbi Riesenberg said.
While the lobby can be tailored to suit the occasion, the synagogue is spread over two levels. Pivotal to the design is the Bimah (a pod-like structure from which the service is delivered) made from Victorian ash, and the Tabernacle, finished in limestone, which contains the Torahs. Evocative of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, the limestone has been applied in a variety of angles to accentuate the rough texture of this wall.
A sense of the outdoors is created by the architects' use of skylights, including a circular glass skylight in the ceiling as well as the integration of polycarbonate into the walls.
Customised seating includes timber and upholstered chairs with finely woven Star of David motifs in the fabric. "We designed these chairs, but they were all produced on a kibbutz in Israel," said Idle, who found the project intriguing and satisfying.
"Our brief from the start was to provide something contemporary, but not a building that screamed for attention. But it had to suggest movement and going forward."
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The new Chabad Synagogue in South Caulfield is a two-storey purpose-built house of worship created to replace a 1960s community-centre style building. The design was customised to accommodate up to 800 people and provide flexible space for services and larger community functions.
The synagogue was designed by Idle Architecture, led by director Chris Idle with associate Evan Cooper. The architects began meeting with the community in 2004, reflecting that new synagogues in Melbourne are relatively rare and often involve lengthy planning.
The architects and community decided a new building was necessary because the original 1960s facility could not comfortably accommodate up to 800 people without a series of compromises. A custom new building allowed the design to meet capacity, functional and ceremonial needs.
The exterior features a bold timber façade with eight illuminated timber striations that subtly reference the menorah. Angular forms allude to movement, and copper soffits were used to animate the exterior, giving a contemporary but understated appearance.
Key interior elements include a laneway-style foyer finished in a patchwork of limestone tiles, a double-height lobby void, a pod-like Bimah made from Victorian ash, and a limestone Tabernacle that houses the Torahs. Designers also used skylights (including a circular glass skylight) and polycarbonate in walls to create a sense of the outdoors.
The two-storey plan opens to a flexible foyer and lobby that can be tailored for occasions. Timber bi-fold doors between the function area and lobby can be opened for larger functions or significant holidays, allowing spaces to combine and accommodate increased numbers.
The design prioritised an intimate, welcoming feel rather than an overwhelming scale. That balance was achieved through careful proportioning, a two-level layout, the central pod-like Bimah, a gathering lobby with a double-height void, and finishes that create warmth and texture—aligning with a worldwide trend toward smaller, bespoke synagogues.
Yes. Seating was customised with timber and upholstered chairs featuring woven Star of David motifs. Architect Chris Idle designed the chairs and they were produced on a kibbutz in Israel. The building also includes symbolic references, such as the eight timber striations that reference the Hanukkah menorah.
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