garden patio breathes life into 19th-century house renovation by meirav galan in tel aviv

within the historic ‘neve tzedek’ neighborhood of tel aviv, israel, meirav galan architects (MGA) has refurbished a 19th-century residence to accommodate a large family of six. the renovation includes the meticulous restoration of the aged structure, as well as its extension, resulting in a spacious redesigned townhouse with a newly added garden patio. 

all images courtesy of gidon levin, unless stated otherwise

the house was one of the first structures built in the picturesque neighborhood at the end of the 19th century and was originally formed as a one-story residence with a flat roof. during the 1930s, the dwelling was extended and architecturally redesigned, adding a second floor with a tiled roof, a gallery balcony, and exterior stairs. however, with the passage of time, the building suffered from neglect.

‘on my first visit to the house, underneath all the neglect, I could sense the european charm combined with the local mediterranean scent,’ describes architect meirav galan. ‘I discovered impressive high ceilings, classic european wooden doors and windows, iron detailed balustrades, and a beautiful mediterranean balcony with a parisian touch. I imagined myself reviving the story and interweaving with my clients’ dreams’

the architectural design of the townhouse, spanning over a long rectangle lot, included preservation as required by the municipality law, partial destruction, and new additions that extended the built area from 250 to 580 sqm. the existing two floors were preserved as well as the façade’s original openings and unique balcony. the large tower that had held a staircase connecting the two levels was demolished and replaced by a new extension, built and redesigned as if it had always been there. meanwhile, the tiled roof was replaced by a rooftop balcony with a sea view and plunge pool. 

the front yard that had originally been two meters higher than the street was terraced, creating a new level with a welcoming exterior entrance and a service area on the street level as well as a new lowered yard that brings in natural light and air to the basement. a new staircase was designed and built to lead towards the preserved entrance level.

meanwhile, the southern wing was rebuilt and extended to include two new floors lower than the old wing floors due to preservation heights’ limitations, and a tiled roof attic with a balcony. the façade, though new, was designed with details similar to the original northern elevation. a garden patio was designed as the heart of the house between the old wing and the new one, providing extra natural light and functioning as an intimate private outdoor space in the middle of a very dense urban fabric. while the street facades preserve the aesthetic character of the original house and of the neighborhood, the patio’s steel framed windows facades were designed as a contrast entity, emphasizing the new architectural design.

image courtesy of roee dori

project info:

name: neve tzedek patio house
architects: meirav galan architects (MGA)
project management and supervision: bar engineering – eran eldor and tomer ben tovim
structural engineering: buky snir
interior design: dana oberson
garden design: haim kohen
lighting design: tzach cohen
photoshoot styling: roni tishler
location: tel aviv, israel
gross built area: 580 sqm
lot area: 246 sqm
photography: gidon levin (‘after’ photos), roee dori (‘before’ photos)

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom