Jewish Synagogue at former Carmel College

The Jewish Synagogue at the former Carmel College is a building constructed in 1963 by architect Thomas Hancock, with John Toovey as the assistant designer and Anthony Hunt as the engineer. The synagogue features concrete block end walls, with the east end being elliptical and approximately six feet thick. It is supported by four timber posts that hold up a sweeping timber roof, which is not visible from the outside. The sides of the building have curtain wall glazing, and there is a projecting entrance.

The synagogue has a rectangular plan, highlighted by its soaring roof structure, which adds an asymmetrical quality to the building. The main part of the synagogue is located at the higher eastern end, while the entrance hall to the west has been divided into two classrooms. The curtain wall glazing is framed in aluminium and includes doors that match this style. The west and east ends feature glass designed by Nehemia Azaz, with the east end showcasing tall vertical corner strips made using the dalle de verre technique, which involves thick glass nuggets set directly into concrete. A sculpture of the Burning Bush, also by Azaz, is located at the entrance and is made of wood with bronze flames.

Inside, the synagogue has an open timber roof, a sounding board, and a cork floor. The Ark, with panelled timber doors, is situated in the east wall.

Carmel College was established in 1948 by Rabbi Dr. Kopul Rosen, moved to Mongewell in 1953, and closed in 1997. Hancock, a local architect, created a masterplan for the college in 1960, although it was not fully implemented. The synagogue and the adjacent amphitheatre are considered the most central, prominent, and coherent buildings on the site, described as "the most spectacular and successful" by the Buildings of England. The synagogue's flexible design, dramatic roof structure, and innovative artistic glass are comparable to synagogues found in Europe and the United States during that period.