The dry wall and steel studs that make up the walls are also mostly from recycled materials. The wood flooring comes from well-managed forests, the shingles on the exterior come from tree stumps from past harvests, and the shelving and counter tops are made from particle board. The columns that support the entranceway are second-use logs, cut over a century ago. Energy conservation also was a consistent concern. The clerestory windows and dark floor make the social hall work as a passive solar space.
Natural ventilation flows throughout the building.
On pleasant days, the air flowing between the high and low windows in the sanctuary and social hall creates a cool chimney-effect breeze. Our Peoples House Our Jewish heritage has been built into numerous elements of the building. The shtetl shuls of Eastern Europe are represented in the heavy timber frames around the building, the trellises and the base under the shingles. The shingles themselves recall the exterior of these beautiful wooden synagogues, as does the stepped roof. From both outside and inside, one s eyes and feet are drawn to the sanctuary.