Temple Beth Elohim

Wellesley, MA

117

new trees including Tulip tree, Katsura tree and White Pine

219,866

total project square footage

3,957

square feet of rain garden and a 1/2 acre of porous asphalt

This new synagogue for Temple Beth Elohim features a flexible sanctuary, accommodating more than a thousand worshipers during the High Holy Days, and providing a more intimate setting for smaller gathering during weekly services. The temple is ideally and sensitively sited to take full advantage of the vistas of the surrounding wooded hillside and nearby wetlands.

DMLA’s design placed a premium on creating two well-defined outdoor courtyards: one focuses on meditative qualities, while the other emphasizes the importance of gathering and socialization for this growing community. A well-crafted entry sequence guides the visitor onto the campus, through the parking lot, and transitions into the walls of the synagogue itself.

Temple Beth Elohim is a warm and inclusive Reform Jewish Congregation. Our foremost goal in everything we do is to build relationships. To us, the most important thing about working with Deb is that she truly understands who we are as a community. It was apparent to her that our Sanctuary extends beyond the solid walls of our building. Thanks to Deb’s work, our outdoor spaces reflect our values.
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Emily Kosinski, TBE Operations Manager

The spirit of Tikkun Olam, as in “repair the earth”, was our guide as we sought to implement multiple site sustainability and innovative storm water management measures, such as a half-acre feature bioretention garden and porous pavements. DMLA remains an active advisor as ongoing site renovations and additions take place.

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Project Team

  • Deborah Myers designed this project as Senior Associate at Stantec
  • Client: Temple Beth Elohim
  • Architect: William Rawn Associates
  • Civil Engineer: Stantec
  • Lighting Design: HLB Lighting
  • General Contractor: Richard White & Sons
  • Landscape Contractor: Brightview (formerly Valley Crest)
  • Nursery: Ruppert Nurseries
  • Photographer: Bruce Martin, Raj Das, Paul Robert Berman
  • Architectural Renderer: Stantec

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