a floating concrete beam wraps around raz melamed's Z3 house

raz melamed completes three-generation z3 house in israel

Next to an avocado plantation in Israel, architect Raz Melamed built a unique multi-generational dwelling from the ground up, dubbed Z3 House. Overlooking a scenic view and hugged by a floating concrete beam, the structure is home to a couple with three children and their eldest daughter with three children of her own. Responding to a need for privacy for each family, the design plan by Melamed reveals two separate houses — one for the parents and children and a second for the daughter and grandchildren. Both buildings share a yard and pool but are kept separate thanks to the site’s intricate topography; the fronts face the street, while two other sides overlook the pool area.

all images © Amit Geron

pairing floating concrete with a lush patio and bridge

Wrapping dramatically around the main spaces of Z3 House by Raz Melamed (see more here) is a floating concrete beam that ‘protects’ it from passersby while creating a uniform facade in the form of an airy and partially sealed-off membrane. Meanwhile, a patio sits between the wings in the corner, overlooking the street and separating a yard to the basement, above which hovers a bridge from the main entrance. The beam is reflected in the pool below, which the architect sculpted in the shape of black terraces that descend toward the basement. ‘These create an encounter with the vegetation patio that creates privacy, as well as curtains that are spread over the huge openings,’ notes Melamed. Above the patio, the entrance bridge leads to the main door, paved with stone that also extends to the interiors, signaling a prominent connection with the outdoors. This connection is strengthened through large windows that project the view inward, with the entrance in sight.

Z3 – A Centrally Located Estate by Raz Melamed

openness & continuity across the two-building property

Another element that reinforces continuity is the pergola stretching along the second house, creating an axis that links both buildings despite their height differences visible across the property. This structure reflects Raz Melamed’s view of ‘opening up’ to create more beauty. The architect initially injected a few walls and used constructive columns for an open and clean look without divisions and sections. Moreover, the columns unfold along a grid that does not line up with the front, allowing a sequence of windows to materialize without interruptions. To the right of the main Z3 House entrance is a living space demonstrating a harmonious play of white, black, and gray repeating throughout in different ‘doses’.

the multi-generational dwelling is enriched with lush vegetation

As for the kitchen, standing tall at 4.8 meters, Melamed introduced a striking display case on one side and a curtain that accentuates its height. On the other side, a display case is divided by a concrete membrane. The kitchen’s front cleverly conceals technical systems while providing access to guest services and the pantry and parking area — prioritizing daily functions for the owners. Material-wise, the family’s love for entertaining and cooking encouraged the use of marble for the kitchen island, gently complementing the floor color. Adjacent to the corner island is a dining area with vibrant chairs that ‘flows’ seamlessly into the living room, defined by a black and white carpet and adorned with exclusive furniture, namely soft upper cushioning and light legs that create a sense of levitation and maintain continuity from the entrance to the kitchen.

Throughout the public space, a careful interplay of colors is evident. Metal elements like columns, rails, stairs, cables, and bridges are accented in black, while the walls and carpentry remain pristine in white. The flooring and furniture sport a tasteful gray hue, completing the harmonious aesthetic of the entire project.

wrapping the property in a floating concrete beam

The lighting in the space is thoughtfully designed to complement its height, with recessed fixtures in the lowered corridors and a recessed strip on the ceiling, creating an elegant play of heights and seamless continuity. The white hanging strip, in combination with the black recessed lighting strips, adds a touch of sophistication to the ceiling design. To the left is a private area where all bedrooms offer a meditative pool view. Access to this area is provided by a bridge with cable railings on one side, connecting the floors. The cable railings extend from the floor to the basement and the son’s suite, reaching the ground floor ceiling. On the other side, a double space overlooks the patio, further emphasizing the yard’s openness without confining walls.

a bridge leading to the main spaces

The second house boasts a long and graceful architecture, sitting lower than the first building on the lot’s surface. The pool accentuates the height difference, with the first house at ground level and the pool culminating in front of the second, forming a striking cube emerging from the ground. The design theme is shared between both structures, but the second house interior stands out with its serene palette, while elements like the front door and kitchen showcase a touch of boldness in black. Alongside meticulous landscape planning, various functional features were thoughtfully placed, including an outdoor kitchen, a pool, a fireplace, a pergola for shading, and custom-designed furniture and wardrobes.