26 / FRAME BUILDER - VOL7 NO2
SACRED STRUCTURES
and meticulously planned water 
drainage systems transform timber 
from a mere construction material 
into a holistic architectural 
element. Dattner Architects took 
care to optimize the materials they 
utilized on the project.
“This dramatic, timber-framed 
pavilion is set in a landscaped 
grove adjoining a historic, mid-
century place of worship,” Dattner 
explains. “The Alaskan Yellow 
Cedar matches the interior of the 
sanctuary, as do the angled, north-
facing skylights. The 3,500 sf [325 
m²] pavilion roof is supported 
on four ‘cluster’ columns—each 
consisting of four joined vertical 
members. The roofing is zinc-
coated copper, and the unique ‘H’ 
shaped beams also serve as gutters 
collecting rainwater to pipes down 
the four columns.”
For those who worship inside 
the sanctuary, the innovative 
design and material applications 
have provided spiritual and 
practical benefits, including sound 
management.
“The cantor has spoken about 
the amazing acoustics of the 
Sanctuary,” explains David 
Waserstein, director of operations 
for the facility. “While I’m sure 
a lot of that comes from the 
geometry of the space, some of 
it comes from the resonance of 
the wood itself. It’s not entirely 
dissimilar from the use of woods in 
opera houses and concert halls.”
Uninterrupted service
From the building occupant and 
use perspective, houses of worship 
are unique in that they operate 
year-round, often holding services 
on the holidays when other 
building 
types are 
closed. 
Some 
religions 
hold daily prayer, and all the 
business of the gathered body 
happens throughout the week. 
To this end, anything the project 
team can do to accelerate the 
renovation process helps minimize 
interruptions to the building’s 
operations and order.
By its nature, off-site timber 
construction can significantly 
enhance a project’s overall 
efficiency. Offsite components 
can be manufactured while 
foundations are being poured 
and are ready to receive them. 
Monitored manufacturing settings 
equipped with precise fabrication 
tools, automated processes, and 
standardized workflows deliver 
THE OFFICIAL NFBA MAGAZINE
Trinity Community Church in 
Hockessin, Del., showcases 
a modern approach to timber 
design using glulam trusses 
in southern yellow pine with a 
natural clear finish. 

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.