New synagogue in Trutnov

FAST VUT - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Department of Architecture

Project idea

The subject of the work is the elaboration of an architectural study of the New synagogue in Trutnov. The first synagogue on this location was destroyed in 1938. Only the foundation system of the first synagogue have been preserved.

This architectural study creates space for the recovery of the Jewish community in Trutnov. The Jewish community needs space for daily and spiritual life. The buliding program is therefore divided into two main objects.

The synagogue with a prayer room and a mikveh is located on same place as the first synagogue. The preserved foundation system of the first synagogue creates a barrier from the sloping terrain for the new synagogue. This creates a symbiosis of the original and the new.

The community center contains spaces for education, administration, catering and celebrations. The location of the community center respects the original villas, which are located close.

Project description

The objects of the synagogue and the community center are arranged diagonally. They face the street and the courtyard, which is located between the buildings. The courtyard is the heart of the complex. It is a multifunctional space that serves for supply, as access to parking spaces, access to both buildings and as well as any other social space (terrace, meeting space).

The community center building is located close to the western boundary of the plot. The common main entrance to the restaurant and administration is from the west side of the building. In front of the community center there is an attractive terrace. Excessive sun exposure from the east side (from the courtyard) is prevented by sun breakers. At the same time, sun breakers creates a side entrance to all main rooms on the ground floor. The supply of the kitchen which is located on the first floor is from the courtyard - using a sidewalk platform. The roof of the community center functions as a utility garden for a kosher restaurant. It is accessible from an exterior staircase.

The building of the new synagogue respects the foundations of the original synagogue. The floor plan of the synagogue forms the intersection of two squares. The mass of the synagogue contains elements of the Moorish style, similarly to the original synagogue. A significant element of the facade are vertical windows and openings. The roof plan is divided into triangles. In the direction of its orientation, the mass of the synagogue is cut out in the corners. The interior is arranged diagonally to the east.

Greenery is an important part of the community center. High trees and green roofs significantly complete the area, and help it blend in with the surroundings. In the summer months, tall trees protect the outdoor living areas and the buildings themselves from excessive overheating.

Technical information

Mostly natural materials are used in the community center. White sandstone is used on the sidewalk along the boundary of the plot, on the living area around the synagogue and on the retaining wall. It creates a memory to the original synagogue, which had a plinth also made of white sandstone.

The new buildings are designed from monolithic concrete. Its structure is formed by matrices on vertically oriented laths. Concrete is a durable natural material that harmonizes well with nature even after years. In addition, it is very suitable for part of the buildings under the ground.

Wood and galvanized steel complete the look of the area. They are located on the filling of fencings, railings, sun breakers and on the exterior staircase. The supporting elements are made of galvanized profiles, the fillings are made of wooden slats.

External walls are designed as sandwich constructions. Load-bearing structure behind the glass walls of the community center building is from steel columns filled with concrete. The roof structure of the community center is designed as a green extensive roof. The roof of the synagogue is covered with folded titanium-zinc roofing.

INTERIOR OF THE SYNAGOGUE
The floor of the synagogue is made of sanded cement screed protected by a waterproof coating. Above the glass entrance door of the synagogue there is a mosaic of geometric shapes inserted into the insulating double glazing. Similary geometric shapes were used to fill the windows of the first synagogue. The mosaic emphasizes the entrace and function of the object. The doors to the main area of the synagogue and to the gallery are designed as steel, galvanized, filled with stone blocks of onyx. The onyx filling prevents direct contact between the main area of the synagogue and the entrance hall. At the same time, in contact with light, onyx helps to create the atmosphere of the sacral space by changing its shade. Aron ha - Kodesh, bima, amud, and hanukkah candle are also made of onyx blocks. The onyx blocks of the aron ha -Kodesh are illuminated by a vertical window. Changing their shade creates colored reflections on the concrete surfaces of walls and floors. Aron ha - Kodesh is located on an elevated spot. It is figured as the plates of Moses with the Ten Commandments, between which there is a temple curtain. The Bima for reading from the Torah is located in the geometric center of space. The women's gallery is located above the entrance area of the synagogue. It is created as a concrete console. The benches of the synagogue are made of solid wood.