Kharkiv Choral Synagogue
Kharkiv, Ukraine
2001-2003
- Torkreting
- Decorative finishing
- Injection bonding of cracks
- Cleaning and restoration of facades
Project history
Built in 1913 according to a design by St. Petersburg architect Yakov Gevirts, the Kharkiv Choral Synagogue immediately became the largest in Ukraine: 50 meters long and with a 42-meter dome, it was built in the Romanesque-Gothic and Neo-Moorish styles.
In 1923, after being closed by the Soviet authorities, the building was transformed into a club, cinema, and sports complex called Spartak. It was only in 1990 that the temple was returned to the Jewish community, and after an arson attack in 1998, a five-year restoration began, culminating in a grand opening on May 19, 2003.
During the rocket attack on March 10, 2022, the blast wave again damaged the facades and stained glass windows, but the synagogue remains a symbol of the city’s resilience.
Solution
After more than 100 years of operation, the structure and facades were in need of comprehensive restoration. The client set the task of preserving historical authenticity while ensuring modern levels of reliability and energy efficiency.
To achieve these goals, experts from the UkrNDIProektrestavratsiya Research Institute conducted a detailed engineering survey, design, and preparation of technological maps.
To restore the reinforced concrete structures of the dome and the suspension arches, our company’s specialists proposed a shotcrete technology.
A decorative finishing design was developed, with the selection of materials that are safe for historic bricks and taking into account historical and religious requirements.
A comprehensive cleaning, restoration, and conservation technology for the brick facade was proposed using the Remmers (Germany) method.
We organized the step-by-step logistics of materials, mechanisms, and equipment in the dense city center.
Work process