for the renovation of a rooftop apartment overlooking tel aviv, pitsou kedem architects’ primary intention was to instill identity into dwelling which exists among a very ‘standard’ housing tower and surrounded by many identical units. their strategy is largely based on a carefully composed material palette, as well as high attention to detail of furnishings and particular architectural elements.
image by amit geron (also main image) / all images courtesy of pitsou kedem architects
the project, known as ‘Y duplex penthouse’, features raw materials such as exposed (board-formed) concrete walls, terrazzo flooring, unpainted wood, as well as a steel staircase and furniture. the interior living space blends with the outdoor patio, separated by large panes of glass with minimal substructure.
the interior blends with the outdoor patio through large glass panels and continuous terrazzo flooring
image by amit geron
the dwelling’s stairwell serves as a strong space both functionally and emotively. it is bound on one side by a monolithic concrete wall depicting a board-formed texture, which is highlighted by bands of light filtering through from skylights above. the space acts to link the apartment’s two levels together, not only through its staircase, but also with various views which are at times mediated by wood-slat screens.
the staircase features a continuous black-painted steel frame with wood treads atop
image by amit geron
the living room, dining, and kitchen are united in a single space to create a feeling of openness
image by amit geron
wood-slat screens mediate views through the stairwell space
image by amit geron
image by amit geron
light passes down the board-formed texture of the concrete wall
image by amit geron
image by amit geron
the balcony features views of the surrounding neighborhood in tel aviv
image by amit geron
project info:
location: tel aviv, israel
area: 160 sqm + 40 sqm balcony
dates: 2010 – 2014
architecture: pitsou kedem architects
design team: pitsou kedem, ran m. broides.
photography: amit geron
styling for photographs: eti buskila
