The house is in central Israel in a vibrant residential neighborhood, with 300 m2 of floor space, covering a 500 m2 plot. The concept of the house, in line with the credo of Israelevitz Architects, is hiding more than it reveals. However, in this house, the concept is louder, more prominent, and dominant than ever. As Architect Dan Israelevitz defines it, “a house that kindles the curiosity instinct. A house is one big temptation. Far from the norm, familiar and predictable. A house that causes inspiration, a house that one cannot be indifferent to”. Israelevitz also explains: “The idea of multiple spans is forming an endless space. The spans form a feeling of space that is far beyond the existing building. A space that breaks the boundaries of the construct”.
The abundance of inner yards and gardens surrounding the building gives a feeling of a forest and brings green straight into the house’s spaces.
The rounded spans which are the dominant architectural characteristic, appear in all spaces of the house, public and private alike. From the bedrooms and public spaces, some of which open into inner yards too. The actual appearance is powerful, the spans form a powerful appearance for people outside and inside the house alike.
The whole house is made of concrete, including the spans. The concrete’s white color was chosen to put the idea, concept, and architecture on the center stage. The white concrete projects the house’s power and mystique. “Architecture is drama”, explains Israelevitz.
The idea of the house is its inner gardens and the whole concept of plenty of greenery and nature. Each space is near the outdoors, whether the balconies, patio, gardens, or pool. The building occupant enjoys a feeling of never-ending openness and immense spaces.
“For me, architecture is an art. It is a way to be moved and move others. A house that blurs what it is. A house that is not readily understood, a house that is not a mere functional box. A house whose architecture calls out to passersby”, Israelevitz summarizes the project.
The front view of the house. Cream-colored gates create a blend of grayish-white walls and rust-colored soil.
Yellow lights and a dark blue sky imitate a sunset in the suburbs.
Round windows allow a peek at the indoor garden.
The main intention of the exterior design is to create a structured and minimalist look through the rectangular shape of the building and gates. Round windows are added to create a contrast and balance to the whole exterior design and stray away from a brutalist design.
Hollow round windows imitate a portal to a lush garden inside the house.
A left-side view of the house without the artificial warm lights in day time showcases the actual grayish-white color of the walls.
The plain geometric wall and the lush green plant peeking above the gates.
A right-side view of the house highlights its height in comparison to adjacent houses.
Warm yellow lights and greenery peeking through the round windows provide a welcoming vibe to the whole house.
The asymmetrical and organic shape of the tree provides a stark contrast to the symmetrical and geometric-shaped windows and gates.
The sharp edge of the house seemingly pierces the clear, blue sky.
A side view of the house at twilight. The gray color and structured geometric design of the wall demonstrate a mix of abstract expressionist and brutalist design.
The warm wood color and patches of greenery accent the grayish-white walls and floors of the house.
Round windows overlooking different parts of the house’s outdoor space.
Because of the holes in the wall, light can pass enter at different angles and sizes all around the house.
The variety of light directions going in and out of the window helps create an illusion of the house’s actual depth and dimension.
Wooden floors, black accents, and yellowish lighting create a warm ambiance on the interior of the house.
The blue indoor pool and lush green backyard add a pop of color yet, maintains the minimalist vide of the house.
The shadow cast by the overlapping top of the building separates the house, the cerulean sky, and the rest of its outdoor space.
A view of the house’s outdoor space at the back showcasing more of its minimalist and modern side.
Jon Dykstra owns an interior design company in North Vancouver, British Columbia. He's fascinated by architecture and interiors. He also enjoys gardening at his "house in the burbs" and "homesteading" at his off-the-grid boat-access cabin.
Combine all that with a love of writing and Homestratsophere.com was born. He balances his working time between running his interior design company, working on his off-the-grid cabin and publishing homestratosphere.com.
