The opportunity to design this temple, located in the State of Mexico, was a new and very pleasant experience for the entire team. Designing a religious space requires a deep understanding of many topics of religion, in this case the Jewish one, for which we rely on several experts to be sure that we consider all aspects such as: orientations, type of materials, customs, history and a long etc. Our goal was to design a very pleasant space that is ideal for prayers and that also becomes a great place of learning and meeting for the community.

The temple is located together with a residential building and shares completely independent entrances to the building. Towards the street façade, it is a sober and discreet building, with a façade modulated in glass and black granite, with a rhythm that allows the entry of natural light into the vertical circulation.

On the ground floor is the men's area, there are double study tables and the entire space is very flexible, avoiding fixed elements to achieve any configuration that is needed. There is a generous double-height space that connects with the second level, where the women carry out their activities, and with a large dome located in the central part of the building that allows the entry of natural light and frames the entire view and direction towards the Haron Hakodesh, the place where the Torah is kept, the most important space in the temple design.

On the upper floor there is a balcony area for women and an open area for taking classes when it is necessary to increase capacity to receive a greater number of attendees. There is also the temple's Rabbi's office, as well as a wine cellar and a kitchen that serves breakfast. Both levels have bathroom services and a coffee area.

The bookcases that were made with a special design received particular attention in this project, a detailed record was made by dimensions to achieve the appropriate spaces to receive them, in addition to considerations for their management and conservation.

The result is a very elegant space, covered with very warm materials, which, in addition to considering the intensity of traffic, transmit the serenity and peace necessary in the area. The selection includes natural stone, a gray travertine marble, porcelain floors, and oak wood. Lighting has a very important role, it is a combination of natural and artificial light through the design of boxes with indirect light.

Photography: Jaime Navarro