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Houzz Tour: Historic Israeli Penthouse by the Sea
A surprise discovery led to a stunning backdrop for contemporary furniture and modern, minimalist features in this Jaffa apartment
When architect Pitsou Kedem was called upon to restore and redesign a penthouse apartment by the sea in Israel, he answered with a resounding "Yes!" Kedem considered this residential project a pleasurable challenge, one he embarked upon cautiously to honor the apartment's site in Jaffa, an ancient port city out of which Tel-Aviv has grown. Intent on preserving the historical elements of the structure without losing touch with his clients' need for a contemporary space that reflects their modern lifestyle, Kedem and his team have created a comfortable design that straddles the old world and the new.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Jaffa, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Size: 1,076 square feet
Designer's "aha!" moment: When the architect stripped the apartment walls down to its bones, he discovered an ascetic style that surprisingly complemented the minimalist, contemporary style of his clients.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Jaffa, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Size: 1,076 square feet
Designer's "aha!" moment: When the architect stripped the apartment walls down to its bones, he discovered an ascetic style that surprisingly complemented the minimalist, contemporary style of his clients.
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One of the most interesting features that Kedem and his team restored was the original stone structure of the apartment's bones, which was previously concealed under thick additions and construction elements. "The unit was cleaned of all of the extraneous elements and underwent a peeling process that exposed its original state," says Kedem.
The structure’s stone walls, segmented ceilings and arches now live alongside contemporary furnishings (like this chair a model perches on) and modern touches.
The structure’s stone walls, segmented ceilings and arches now live alongside contemporary furnishings (like this chair a model perches on) and modern touches.
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| A wider perspective of the living room lets us appreciate just how the historical arches, pillars and materials blend seamlessly with the contemporary details of the interior; neither the old nor new elements overwhelm the other. Kedem says that while it's difficult to determine the building's exact age, its stone structure resembles those used in Jaffa's old city walls, revealing a pedigree rooted in antiquity. |
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| Although Jaffa has had countless invaders who've docked in its ports throughout the centuries — Babylonian, Egyptian and Turkish, to name a few — the view from the balcony today is serene and placid. A lone sun lounger sits and seemingly smiles at the gorgeous view of the Mediterranean Sea. |
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Unadorned expansive glass window arches blur the lines between indoors and out and provide an uninterrupted view of the sea.
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Here's a look into the living room area from a different perspective. Dressing the windows for privacy just wouldn't make sense in this airy, coastal setting.
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| Who needs wall art when the natural view is already perfect? The horizontal mirror reflects the ocean view and light from the outdoors; it also visually expands the room and tricks the eye into thinking there's a third window here. |
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| Kedem pushes the envelope of the apartment's interior with a transparent shower, the anchoring piece of decor in the master bedroom. |
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| Showering in this penthouse is not for the timid when guests are around. As you can see from this image, the shower is entirely visible from the common area, the hallway and part of the kitchen. |
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This hallway is actually an extension of the shower area — or rather, the shower is where this hallway "powder room" ends. Frameless cabinets with integrated handles are flush against the wall, the sink is built into the countertop, and the toilet is marked by a door handle barely sticking out of the door frame.
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| Here we see how the balcony wraps the apartment's perimeter. Although the balcony is a bit too shallow for patio furniture, the space provides a place for Kedem's clients to circulate and gives a stunning vantage point from which to view the water and neighboring buildings. |
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The kitchen countertop and appliances hug one side of the wall in the common area. True to the apartment's contemporary spirit, the sleek appliances are flush against the cabinetry and streamlined; the only thing that minimally interrupts the sight line is the sleek curve of the faucet.
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| In a space filled with arches and curves, the long and narrow dining table and the grid-backed metal chairs coexist harmoniously. |
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| The depth carved out by an arch makes the perfect niche for floating shelves and cabinetry. |
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| Kedem's clients asked for a mix of "historical asceticism" and contemporary minimalism — and they got it. Spartan common areas and neutral-toned contemporary furniture don't fight for attention, but live harmoniously within the stone walls and arches of this penthouse. Strategically placed mood lighting makes the kitchen and living room feel spacious and expansive, even after dark. |
Ideabook published on June 15, 2012.
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Marie Meko
The peace & serenity that you have portrayed has shed new light on the Eastern world. A calming of sorts. Thank you.
@Marie- There is one side of Israel, million dollar homes and luxury, the other, absolutely nothing like this. I have traveled through Israel and the Palestinian territories, polar opposites of one another. Heaven for some, but total hell for others.
Art is the entire experience, the artist, the materials, the process, and the vision. Simply because you take a few pictures or can hold a brush in your hand (wow! a monkey can do that too!), doesn't mean you have anything meaningful to contribute to the discussion, art, or even the world. I feel pity for those who go through their entire lives without any originality of thought or experience, simply repeating everything they have been told. Is that vision? Critical thinking and an open-mind is the magic behind art, not copycatting and repetition.
An artist? Or a mockingbird? Free-thinking, try it sometime. An etiquette class wouldn't hurt you either.
but how is it that as soon as israel is in the picture in one form or another,there HAS to be political discussion involved.
We would have a picture of a beautiful palace somewhere in Saoudi arabia,nobody would raise their voices against the treatment of women overthere,or a house in the middle of the jungle in Africa where thousands of women ,men .and children dye everyday...same thing!
But lets mention israel and this is a different story....
I am not saying israel does not make mistakes,and I Hope these 2 people find peace, but today,no research necessary,Jaffa is in israel and not in palestine
אוסי ossi
As far as all the politics, really? This home is stunning, thats what Houzz is about, do we really need to bring in war through words? Anyone living here has probably seen more then enough turmoil and unrest!
Cheers to the architect, homeowners and the original architects from many moons ago...Bravo!
As for some of the comments on its heritage, I tried really hard to find in all the history books and encyclopedia for the point in time when Jaffa was a Palestinian city but there was no mention; there was British Mandate Palestine but that was the only mention...How odd. I guess the Isareli's must have occupied it from the Brits?
Lets just talk about the Space, the way the stone looks warmed by the sun. The dancing waters outside. The contrast of very ancient against very new.
My father fought in the second world war. For Freedom.
He told me that time is over.. he was right, and had the right to say that.
A single or a couple could live and function comfortable in this kitchen space. I have noticed during my European travels some Designers refrane from the "Western" influence of large appliances. Spaces are kept to a cleaner line. Simplify. Most food and supplies are bought fresh, on a daily basis. Or as available.
Lighting is ambient at best. This could be a vacation type property.
I think the stone is stunning. The views enchanting. The lounger, on the patio, carries the lines of the docked boats.
Very controversial on all fronts.