Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Beth Sholom Synagogue is a National Historic Landmark located outside of Philadelphia in Elkins Park, PA. Since it’s completion in 1959 the synagogue has experienced ongoing leaks through the sloped dome glass roof, despite various assessments of the building and roof system to identify the cause of the leakage and appropriate repair strategies. The goal of the project is to address uncontrolled water infiltration into the interior while respecting the original materials and architectural features of the existing building and achieving the best value in cost/performance analysis. 

The synagogue dome is distinguished by its double sloped geometry, with corrugated wire glass  panels supported on sloping steel “tee” beams that span between the base tripod structure. A shingled corrugated glass skylight assembly typical of the period was used for the installation, with the panels clipped back to the sloped steel structure at the interior glazing mullion for dead load and lateral load support. Coupling research of the existing glazing system and viable glazing alternatives with field investigations, and structural analysis of the base building structure and cladding components, the design team has developed a proposed remediation strategy for the project.  

Heintges provided building envelope consulting services during design.