Set within the heart of Caulfield, the synagogue is envisioned as a place shaped by devotion, reverence, and ritual. Designed for a community deeply rooted in prayer, religious observance, and generational continuity, the building holds space for the sacred and the communal in
equal measure.
Spanning three levels, the architecture unfolds as a quiet procession – an ascent toward light, spirit, and stillness. At its centre lies the sanctuary, where light gently pours into the space, illuminating the room with a soft clarity that evokes peace and presence. The air is hushed; the architecture recedes, allowing thought, memory, and prayer to rise.
Beneath the sanctuary, the lower level holds space for gathering, learning, and celebration. Community halls and flexible rooms adapt to the evolving needs of the congregation. At its most intimate, the basement houses a mikvah—a quiet, elemental space for immersion, renewal, and ritual purity.
Materiality is approached with restraint and care. Combining the uniformity of precast concrete as a backdrop for overhead light and local timbers for warmth and comfort. Each surface speaks in soft tones, allowing the experience of the space to unfold slowly and
with grace. This synagogue does not seek grandeur, but grounding. It is a vessel for faith—composed of light and shadow, pause and procession—where the everyday and the eternal quietly meet.
Office Statement
Architecturally
RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN established their architecture and interior design practice in 2015. Located in Melbourne, they focus primarily on the user experience and ones relationship to the built environment through an interiorised lens. Working across both public and private sectors a collaborative process ensures their work is considered and resolved.
Socially
Quintessentially each of their projects is developed within a social and physical contextual framework. They place an emphasis on locally sourced materials, craftsmanship and landscaping celebrating the characteristics of each site, creating engrained relationships between environment, material and trade.
Intellectually
Volume is loosely defined, held together in tension by the architectural shell, the original vessel. This vessel naturalises the externalities present in the immediate context creating harmony and a series of moments or pauses. Detailed studies of light, space and materiality create opportunities for design and the creation of spaces that are both profane and mundane, spaces of memory and imagination.
Coherent
Architecture, interior design and landscaping intersect through a cohesive design language. Materiality is reimagined both internally and externally for each project, creating a palette that is coherent throughout the whole design. This process underlines a reductionist philosophy aimed at expressing the architectural volume through a simplification of the elements.
Jean—Paul Ghougassian
Director
Jean-Paul pilots the interior design projects within the studio. His experience within the realm of design is unique and extensive having worked across a number of sectors. His oeuvre illustrates a high level of critical thinking and controlled spatial composition, and together with Gilad, he brings a holistic approach to the projects within the studio.
Gilad Ritz
Director
Gil leads the architectural discourse within the practice. His interest in architecture and the built environment stems from a focus in field studies and phenomenology. After initially studying economics at Monash University, he later undertook a Masters in Architecture at The University of Melbourne.
A highly rational thinker, with the ability to navigate constraints and work within a creative framework. Through the layering of time and patina, Gil sees architecture as constantly changing, negating its previous condition into something different. He is passionate about transforming simple and honest materials into something more precious.