The desire to create a structure with reference to ancient building traditions alongside the need for a contemporary house applying modern technology came up at the beginning of the design process. The lot, with an area of 4,000m2 in a Moshav in the center of Israel, provided for maximum flexibility with respect to placement and planning.

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A “T” shaped, single level structure, was the answer to the client’s will to create three separate living areas – parents, children and guest wings. The “T” shape is emphasized through wild grey granite stone walls implementing dry placement – a traditional building method existing in Europe which was carried out by a Portuguese stonecutter specializing in this method. Unlike traditional construction, where stone walls are located at the perimeter creating the living space between them – in this house the stone walls are ‘free standing’ and constitute the nucleus of the house – one wall lines the public wing and the other the residential wing.

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The walls pass through the interior of the house, accompanying and strengthening eye contact between the interior and exterior. The stone walls create a sealed and rigid façade towards the street, in contrast to the rear façade that is defined by maximum openness with a view to the orchards, the garden and pool.

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Interior design in collaboration with Ruthi Shamai

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Photography: Amit Geron