Photography: Gideon Levin
Daily Rituals. Our main occupation with this apartment centered on the experience and ritual involving each space and space, and the apartment’s precision of design as required by the tenant. The tenant gave us the opportunity to design the apartment exactly according to his own measurements, habits, and desires. Functions and size of spaces were re-examined and applied in different proportions and locations from the original plan, according to the new story weaved around it.
Before (Sales plan)
After plan
The bedroom, usually the most intimate room in the house, and far from the public area, is located here right next to the entrance.
Instead of standard sealed walls, it is enclosed by a transparent vitrine with curtains. Hence, the entrance hall adjacent to it feels spacious and open, and in fact, becomes functional. During an event (or entertainment) the curtains are closed, and yet a partition remains to convey (a certain) light and stillness to the place, instead of a long opaque white wall.
Instead of walls
A box replaces all the internal walls of the house, creating a partition and serving many functions:
For the bedroom, it is a wardrobe, which continues beyond the glass partition, where it serves as an entrance closet.
The continuity of the wardrobe from this direction, beyond the partition, perceptively expands the space of the rooms bordering it, and with glass strengthens the hallway’s sense of place.
As regards the kitchen, the box functions as a high unit that includes a pantry and refrigerator, and in its continuation towards the living room, serves as a television cabinet, and decorative shelves.
The box responds to the beams it joins and relates to them.
Bathroom.
The bathroom was given a meaning different than the usual. It became a room with two internal divisions: a dry space and a wet space, an open and airy area, and a hot and enclosed area.
Door frames lead from the entrance hall to the open and dry area. Here, in front of a large window, is set a sink, and underneath it, a washing machine and dryer.
A wide surface is created, intended for the folding and care of laundry, and to wash one’s face and hands, in an unusual fashion, facing the light, landscape, and air, and not in an enclosed space where one usually washes one’s self.
Opposite to the washing and laundry area a large yellow wall cabinet is planned to add to the sensation of light and the pleasant feeling of the room.
Bathing area Section
Bathing area partial plan
Additional door frames lead to the wet area. This area replaces the familiar washing area: There is no tight shower stall here (even if it is 90*90 or more). It is a large wet space containing "wet" and private functions, allowing each to be used in comfort and convenience. It gives the possibility to dry one’s self and step out into the next space.
The tenant works a great deal from home but does not require a separate work area. On the contrary, he requested to be able to work and watch television simultaneously. Accordingly, the work corner is located at the edge of the public space, in what used to be a closed balcony, thus he can enjoy the comfort of a large space and not work in a small room. He can watch television or host and prepare coffee in one multi-functional space: living room - kitchen – work space- dining room – library.
The kitchen is not the center of the house. The tenant does not cook much and does not require large storage areas. Low cabinets with a white work surface are spread out along the front opening outwards. Most of the time, they serve both as background and furniture. The work surface begins as an island overlooking the landscape, and as an inherent part of the living room, and continues to the work area, where it becomes more functional. To mark the visual separation of kitchen and living room, different flooring was chosen. The parquet that covers the entire house has been replaced by a strip of decorated ceramic tiles.
This flooring strip recalls the original peripheral terrace line. Since the tenant rarely hosts, there is no traditional dining table. The kitchen counter serves as a place for morning coffee or a light meal.
The dining table, located in the foyer, is normally folded and serves as a thin counter for keys, letters and entrance rituals. When hosting takes place, the table opens up and turns the whole space into a place to dine, with a place for 6 people with chairs collected from all parts of the house.
Table ready for entertaining
Table acts as a thin counter
