28 / FRAME BUILDER - VOL7 NO2
not hidden but celebrated. Exposed trusses, visible 
connections, and thoughtful detailing invite congregants 
to appreciate the structure’s inherent beauty as they 
gaze upward. Whether in historic cathedrals or modern 
spiritual centers, these designs continue to captivate and 
delight the eye.
Wooden structures inspire awe and reverence. Nobody 
is putting timber in a church and then covering it up. 
The timber connects to the past and anchors the space. 
There is a durability and reassurance in using timber as 
a building material in a spiritual space.
Looking to the future of spiritual architecture, timber 
continues to offer a unique promise. It bridges 
historical tradition with contemporary design, provides 
sustainable solutions, and creates spaces that inspire 
spiritual reflection. Modern timber-frame design 
requires collaboration, and successful projects demand 
precise coordination among architects, builders, and 
timber 
suppliers. 
Every 
detail 
matters.
Timber 
is often chosen for worship spaces, not just for its 
structural capabilities, but for its ability to tell a story. 
Each beam, each truss carries with it a narrative of 
responsible harvesting, skilled craftsmanship, and 
architectural innovation. Wood in spiritual spaces is a 
philosophical statement as much as it is a design choice. 
The material speaks to humanity’s connection with 
nature, its respect for craftsmanship, and the desire to 
create spaces that transcend the everyday. Mass timber 
combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary 
sustainable design, creating spaces that are both 
spiritually evocative and environmentally responsible.
SACRED STRUCTURES
THE OFFICIAL NFBA MAGAZINE
At the Jewish Center of the Hamptons in New York, skylights, sawtooth 
roof profiles, and meticulously planned water drainage systems 
transform timber from a mere construction material into a holistic 
architectural element. Photos by R. Garrity Powers

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