family home in israel interweaves interior & exterior spaces with generous amount of glazing

Israelevitz Architects’ dwelling blends interior & exterior spaces 

In a city in the heart of Israel’s center, Israelevitz Architects has realized a one-story family home for a couple and their three children. The residential volume presents itself as an oasis that is revealed once the inhabitants enter the house. Floating concrete slabs create a path that directs them to the entrance of the house. An expansive inner garden with lush and an immense reflective pool are uncovered inside.

The architectural duo sought to form a feeling of seamless cohesion between the house’s indoor and outdoor spaces.

Thus, they wrapped the structure with oversized glass walls allowing the scenery to spill over from each direction. However, in order to fulfill the requirements of privacy and security, the property is enclosed by sleek facades made of wooden dividers, bare wood, and concrete. ‘The house is no ordinary structure, but rather a home that is perfectly synchronized with nature and sunlight while utilizing and taking full advantage of the rising and setting sun for the home’s residents. It creates a home environment where the interior and exterior seamlessly intertwine and blend as one.’ mentioned the architects.
all images by Oded Smadar

A Cloistered Home that Excites and Invigorates With its Interior

According to Israelevitz Architects (see more here), the protagonist of the house is the concrete, which in combination with a generous amount of glazing generates a stunning atmosphere to host living spaces that create an outdoor feeling. Hence, the home walls are glass, while exposed concrete roofing and steel pillars support the construction. In an attempt to create a connection between outdoors and indoors, a 16 sqm patio overflowing with lush greenery is positioned between the kitchen area and the living room. Besides serving as a natural buffer, it lets plenty of natural light tackle in and also allows the gaze to escape with views towards the sky. 

Moreover, in order to maintain a minimalistic design with neat lines and geometries, the architects hide the electrical appliances and storage with a wooden cladding wall. Meanwhile, a large island made from Dekton, with bar stools on one side, enhances the tranquil indoor atmosphere. The power outlets in the living area are integrated into a greyish black wall while custom-made carpentry conceals the home’s air conditioning systems.

The owner’s suite opens toward the double swimming pool — which spans 60 meters — and features a bathroom and closet room that are divided by a sliding door. The bathroom radiates luxury and comfort, including a private patio conceived to provide beautiful and scenic views for the owner.

Overall, the home exudes a minimalist design that perfectly embodies the interior and exterior spaces. The outdoor spaces become parts of the interior, translating the landscape into a domestic context. ‘I surround the spaces with glass to create continuity and a single unit between the inside and outside spaces. It creates inner gardens and areas of greenery such as the patio and inner courtyard and an abundance of nature and greenery both around the home and within it. I love drama in architecture and tend to distance myself from anything static.’

project info:

name: A Cloistered Home that Excites and Invigorates With its Interior
designer: Israelevits Architects

design team: Dan & Hila Israelevitz

location: Israel

building area: 500 sqm

photography: Oded Smadar

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edited by: christina petridou | designboom