Brawer Hauptman & Larkin is a Philadelphia based architectural firm specializing in healthcare, higher ed (colleges and universities), and religious architecture, especially churches, synagogues, and Jewish institutions such as JCCs and community centers. Our healthcare projects include small in-hospital renovations to larger free-standing care centers. We also specialize in adaptive reuse and historic preservation.
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Temple Rodef Shalom
Falls Church, VA
This thriving Reform congregation outside of Washington, DC was looking to provide additional worship, classroom and administration space for its crowded facility. As a large congregation with a single worship space, the need for a smaller, more intimate chapel for smaller gatherings, special services, weddings, and funerals was apparent as was the need for more gracious clergy offices and a few more classrooms. Renovations and reconfiguration of some of the existing spaces to improve user experience was also required.
The design takes its cues from an earlier addition that used Jerusalem stone, exposed wood, and concrete structural elements as its materials palette. A movable Ark, whose design was inspired by the Ark in the main sanctuary, and a retractable glass wall in the new worship space allows for outdoor services on an adjacent terrace nestled into a wooded hillside.
Additional parking, landscaping, and site improvements to provide safer pedestrian access was also part of the project scope.