baranowitz goldberg architects turns industrial elements into modern office in tel aviv

baranowitz goldberg architects designed an office space for perimeterX, a young high-tech company in tel aviv. perimeterX specializes in preventing and protecting against malicious web-behavior and has offices both in san francisco and israel. the new israeli headquarters span a full floor on the 22nd level of one of tel aviv’s new high-rises in the center of the city. the offices enjoy a 360-degree view of the city including a stunning view of the sea.

the architects’ design concept stemmed from a grid-based plan, in which the space was divided into volumes and circulation paths, between closed spaces and freestanding elements. the fact that almost all employees work in open space environments allowed for a layout where all closed rooms were situated close to the core of the building and the open-space stations were placed as freestanding elements in the center of the space.

thus, the perimeter curtain wall remained un-obstructed, and the access to the view and light was open to all. the two large conference rooms were the only closed volumes to be placed as free-standing transparent boxes in the central public space. the two-dimensional grid was then extruded vertically with the introduction of a grid of tracks carrying movable partitions.

these partitions subdivide the space and create new opportunities for grouping teams or having larger get-togethers. two types of partitions were designed, one constructed of industrial, steel welded-grating and the other of corrugated polycarbonate sheets. the main idea was to take industrial off-the-shelf products and manipulate them into sophisticated, functional elements.

the steel grate was unraveled to create a new pattern and be transformed from a simple grid to an industrial lace. this woven-like partition created divisions without blocking the space. the openness of this so-called weave allowed for subtle, layered views of the cityscape around. the white corrugated polycarbonate sheets were designed as more assertive divisions that give more privacy.

the office’s color palette is mostly white and grey with red accents drawn from the company’s branding. the materials palette is a fusion of the sleek and the industrial – aluminum cladding of columns and walls, juxtaposed with concrete floors and the partitions of unraveled welded grates in white paint finish and white corrugated polycarbonate sheets.

the concept of the grid and its deconstruction was also incorporated into the lighting plan. a new grid was introduced, creating of a combination of white aluminum profiles and led lights. the grid of light stretches above the entire space further asserting the free-flowing layout. the reception area was accentuated with light as well where the deconstructed welded grates’ ceiling in that area was backlit, creating a lucent canopy above the space.

project info:

architecture: baranowitz & goldberg architects in collaboration with pitsou kedem architects

architect in charge: adi peclet

lighting design: orly avron alkabes

built-up area: 1,000 square meters

photography: amit geron

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: cristina gomez | designboom