Completing the Dream:Beth El Temple Center Sanctuary Renovation

I was asked recently why the Oversight committee is not looking into Bamboo or cork flooring.

We have discussed both bamboo and cork flooring. They are both materials I am very familiar with and are very fond of.

Bamboo is problematic for a noise reason – like a traditional wood floor being hard it reflects sound – so every person walking in and out of surfaces will create a clacking sound. In addition, bamboo being a hard surface will increase the “live” nature of sound – which will further exacerbate our acoustic issues.

Cork would be better in this regard because it is softer and has better sound absorption – however, cork also is finished with urethanes which also reflect sound – it looks fantastic and warm – unfortunately we cannot afford cork. I wish we could afford even a little bit of cork.

We are still researching a variety of flooring materials. Our goal would be to find some sustainable, affordable acoustic material that is appropriate for the sanctuary. For example recycled rubber material might work but looks appropriate in a gym not a religious space. Linoleum might look alright but is not great acoustically. We are looking into alternatives to carpet – but we may have to settle for “green label” (which is an environmental rating system for carpeting)  carpeting. In my professional life I try never to specify carpeting, but there are circumstances when it is the best and only choice and then we work hard to make sure it is used in the most environmental way. At this point carpeting looks like it is still the best choice for our needs but we will strive to find alternatives.

Reference links:

http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial-customers/green-building-and-the-environment/green-label-plus/index.cfm

http://www.matsinc.com/productpage/product.aspx?style=185

http://www.ecoact.org/Programs/Green_Building/green_Materials/carpet.htm

http://greenlivingideas.com/carpeting/alternative-fibers-make-healthier-carpets.html

A number of people have commented that the photos of the model make the space seem cold and uninviting. We have been trying to point out that the limitation of a model is that it doesn’t show the detail that helps make a space – a sanctuary.

For example look at this image of the model, although it has nice lighting – since all the materials are the same its hard to get a sense of texture or detail. The real lighting in the space is hard to figure out because thimble sized pieces of cardboard do not emit the warm glow of a light or warm up the textures. Since we have not picked out the carpeting, wall color, fabrics, or even the kind of wood, its hard to image how this model will be the place we pray in.

However, with a little help from Adobe Photoshop we can start to add some of the texture and color that helps the space come alive a bit more. There is still a level of detail that will exist in after the renovation that is almost impossible to show in the model such as handrails or the detail in the seats. However, I think most people would agree this does help a bit …

As always we ask that people don’t get excited about something that seems out of place – we are posting this stuff to help inform the community – but it definitely just a work in progress.

One idea that has been discussed is to use the mosaics on the ark in the sanctuary as art. Some people were questioning what this would look like – so I put together a photoshop image of this possibility. Of course since I spliced together it will not look exactly like this but it will give the community a better idea of what we are thinking.

There are a number of chairs in the social hall to have people test. These are just samples so don’t get excited, but we hope to be able to gauge what people like and then make adjustments. ALL THE CHAIRS WILL HAVE SOME SORT OF BOOK STORAGE. Don’t panic if the ones you see don’t have book storage – because the sales reps dropped off examples – the final chair will definitely have book storage.

Currently the committee is thinking of having some percentage of the flexible seats with arms and a larger percentage without arms, but this is still under discussion. The fixed seats will be pew style (an upholstered bench).

Thanks