Context
The congregation has long needed a separate social hall for marriage ceremonies and food and drink. This hall was initially planned as part of Phase 1, but funds were not available for its construction. A renewed need has now given this new impetus.
Concept
The approach has been quite simple and direct. It completed the ‘gateway’ that was part of the original design, separating the sacred from the profane. The structure is set back by about eight feet from this flat archway and is designed as a series of floating walls that slide past each other in the west, south, and east directions. On the north, the building gently rests on the south wall of the existing administrative wing, creating a delicate play of solid and void. The entry is designed as a folding canopy, a freestanding element clad in glass, rather than a standard entry vestibule, thereby tying the front proscenium and the setback hall together. The building is designed to meet the requirements of the congregation from a ritual and ceremony perspective, as well as meet Title 24 requirements from the state of California. The south side of the building also has a series of sliding folding doors that permit the facility to expand to the south with the addition of a tent should the need arise. The kitchen and serving areas shall be accessed from the east via a cul-de-sac and an eventual plaza to the north with views of the park beyond.
Team
Cyrus Subawalla – Principal Designer
Tejash Panchal – Project Architect
Gandhali Marathe – Project Manager
Project Data
Building type: Cultural-Social Hall
Sustainability/LEED: Title 24 Certified
Location: Lancaster California
Site Area: 91,930 sf
Project Area: 2,500 sf (Building Area-Phase 2 in design)
Client: Hindu Temple of Antelope Valley
Completion Year: October 2021 complete
Construction Cost: $512,000
Recognition: Dezeen Architecture & Magazine 2025
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Recognition: Architectural Digest France 2025
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