Kol Israel Synagogue

This synagogue for a growing congregation occupies a corner site in an established residential neighborhood. To complement the Mediterranean quality of the surrounding houses, a vocabulary of red brick and stone walls sheltered by a red tile roof was adopted.

Stringent setback and height limitations led to an unusual arrangement whereby the entire site was excavated to 10'-6" below grade. This created the largest possible area for the light-filled main sanctuary, which rises up past the entry level and balconies to achieve a height of thirty-four feet.