Har El Synagogue is carved into a forested setting on a sloping mountain site adjacent to an active highway interchange. The approach is by way of a pedestrian bridge and a classroom wing that spans a flowing creek. A canted wall of golden Jerusalem stone symbolizes the Wailing Wall, the only surviving fragment from Solomon’s Temple. Two towering pillars and tall timber doors mark the main entrance, providing passage into the sanctuary, with a framed view of a yahrzeit wall that commemorates the dead. An imposing Jerusalem stone-clad Ark anchors the sanctuary to its sacred site.
Har-El Synagogue
West Vancouver, BC
Congregation Har-El
1998, 2010, 2014
1,860 m2
![.](/img/containers/assets/work/HAR-bridge-to-entrance-2014.jpg/55f22291d7da50807bdd035e5260dcd8.jpg)
menorah-like rainwater sluice
sustainability
LEED Gold equivalent
awards & recognition
1998
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Medal
Canadian Wood Council Ron Thom Award
American Wood Council Merit Award
1997
Canadian Architect Award of Excellence
![.](/img/containers/assets/HAR-lobby-MT-X.jpg/1e8ba73d933147958c3fd0242d5215ba.jpg)
lobby
A difficult site wasn’t the only challenge for the architects. Their response was a simple but inspired plan—the brilliance of the plan is how it turns the centre inward to face the courtyard. They have imbued the centre with spiritual resonance.
The Vancouver Sun
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feature stair
![.](/img/containers/assets/HAR-stairs-MT-X.jpg/76f94babdd09dc6b5a6b468d9a435fa1.jpg)
gallery
![.](/img/containers/assets/HAR-hallway-lobby-MT.jpg/e77d8aa57e847ff82458d960658257ca.jpg)
ceremonial wash basin
![.](/img/containers/assets/HAR-ablution-z-MT.jpg/858f23f53b3741f37c2ceff675130a9e.jpg)
ablution
sustainability
LEED Gold equivalent
awards & recognition
1998
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Medal
Canadian Wood Council Ron Thom Award
American Wood Council Merit Award
1997
Canadian Architect Award of Excellence
![.](/img/containers/assets/HAR-ark-image-ME.jpg/a809c60aa11d5a65e1655d068fa5736c.jpg)
sanctuary
![.](/img/containers/assets/HAR-yarhzeit-wall-2-ME.jpg/69f9ab6b856cf17efe83e8d9e7e7b816.jpg)
yarhzeit wall
![.](/img/containers/assets/HAR-bar-at-wall-ME-z.jpg/5c0a956b9a3da6b7839ad2195a165145.jpg)
social lounge
![.](/img/containers/assets/work/HAR-bar-centred-ME.jpg/5511556b54ca02038b49b6df150d17a2.jpg)
social lounge
![.](/img/containers/assets/work/HAR-south-to-creek-ME-1647645679.jpg/05c839cd001cdfd294cdd5abac5c4be0.jpg)
social lounge
![.](/img/containers/assets/work/HAR-fireplace-detail-ME.jpg/480a287e46f71f8f4b16e8d0ea53f27d.jpg)
fireplace nook
![.](/img/containers/assets/HAR-inside-outside-ME.jpg/04d1cac7a3796aa54a6d308daeb0a09b.jpg)
social lounge
![.](/img/containers/assets/work/HAR-exterior-to-north-ME.jpg/65bd885d6414eabf6ea5e2f722e045d2.jpg)
social lounge
From an environmental perspective, the design exhibits the most important quality—economy of means. Nature is respected. The plan embraces the whole landscape through a processional strategy. The south facade admits light conditioned by an overhanging roof, while the north facade dares to be blank.
Canadian Architect Awards