kahi resort and spa retreat brings the maldives into the israeli landscape

Kahi Resort and Events Complex in HaSharon, Israel

Tel-Aviv-based Yaron Eldad Architecture completes ‘Kahi Resort’, an event and hospitality complex that offers spa and restaurant services in HaSharon, Israel. Drawing from the Maldives‘ traditional cabin design, the building construction sets up a symmetrical plan of two banquet halls with two courtyards, each presenting several guest cabins connected to the main structure through wooden platforms emerging from the body of water. The ‘tropical’ resort getaway prompts an international essence while attending to its geographical environment and applying local materiality throughout, sufficient to the region’s climate.  

The entrance and huts float on a wooden bridge supported by pillars rising from the water of the ornamental pool that encloses all units. The architecture combines natural and authentic materials, such as straw, bamboo, and wood, with industrial finishes incorporated into the construction.

all images by Oded Smadar

authentic straw and bamboo combine with steel and glass 

Each cabin’s platform edge puts up a glass railing along with a double-function mesh that serves both as a hammock, and as a safety net. The bridge that connects all units leads to the main building which is coated with white plaster. The entering lobby presents a large atrium and skylight connecting the internal arrangement with the outdoor and providing natural light throughout.  The railing running along the reception hall and revealing a floating staircase is made of vertical corten bars adding a contemporary industrial feel to the space. 

The ground floor of the building complex by Yaron Eldad Architecture assembles a kitchen accessing halls, offices, tasting rooms, a lounge, a bar, and an open terrace with a pool dedicated to private events overlooking the open views of the valley. Black aluminum features in the frame and facades, while elongated wooden slats with a polished finish maintain the authentic materiality of the cabins. The asymmetrical steel shutter elements and roof overhangs that complete the exterior blend seamlessly with the standing bamboo poles decorating the space forming a ‘tropical’ design identity reminiscent of traditional Maldives’ structures.

project info:

name: Kahi – Resort and Events
designer: Yaron Eldad Architecture | @yaron_eldad_architect

location: HaSharon, Israel

photography: Oded Smadar | @odedsmadar

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom