In the ancient Israeli city of Jaffa, which in our time has become part of Tel Aviv, Pitsou Kedem Architect completed a loving renovation of an old stone-walled apartment fit with luxurious modern interiors that would normally be found in a glass box house.
The building itself has undergone endless cosmetic transformations throughout the centuries, so the architects carefully exposed the original building structure and restored it where necessary. Many walls were removed to create a loft-like flow interrupted only by the historic structural elements. Stainless steel and Corian were added in the wet rooms to create a clean look that would not distract from the ancient beauty of the space, but would also remain true to the modern materials available to the designers. Furnishings are also kept sleek and minimal for the same purpose.
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politics on apartmenttherapy. cute.
Know this was going to happen the moment I saw the location of the apartment. Wherever it is, however, it is breathtaking.
knew, rather.
BEAUTIFUL! And please, keep the politics out of AT. This site is a happy form of escapism for me, DON'T RUIN IT.
I've seen this remodel before, and to be honest, it really bothers me. The furniture and accessories seem to almost ignore the ancient history of the building in which they're situated. And the blatant affluence of the project--its enormous space, upper class minimalism--is completely at odds with the traditionally working class town in which it is located. This is Tel Aviv-Jaffa gentrification personified. Feh.
Politics, schmolitics. It's stunning.
Incidentally, archaological investigations have confirmed that the city was occupied by 7500 BCE; it is believed to have been founded by Japhet, son of Noah (of ark fame). In the intervening years, it's also been governed by the Egyptians (who first invaded in 1468 BCE), the Philistines, the Crusaders, and the Turks.
Would make a cool movie set.
It's gorgeous, and those columns are absolutely wonderful. What a cool space.
Absolutely gorgeous.
The furniture and accessories seem to almost ignore the ancient history of the building in which they're situated.
I disagree. Almost every architectural detail was spared -- how can one say that the developer ignored the ancient history of the building? The preservation of the ancient details is what makes this home stand out. The furniture and accessories are footnotes to history, but they still must allow the space to be livable. I very much like the juxtaposition of the modern elements against the ancient backdrop.
I agree with you @Scoot. What an amazing home.
Is it just me, or is the living room furniture undersized for the space?
Love. With all my might.
The *furniture*, IMHO, ignores the history of the building. The historical details of the beautiful space are completely at odds with its ultra-modern contents. IMHO.
I think the minimal furniture is fine because it lets the beautiful space be the star player.
I don't know much about Israel to be honest, but if the architects exposed the original structure and restored it (like the article says), I think that sounds as if they're respecting history. None of the modern changes look too permanent to me.
At any rate, it's a beautiful building.
Visually, it's nice but I would not want to live there. Not homey enough for me.
"The building itself has undergone endless cosmetic transformations throughout the centuries, so the architects carefully exposed the original building structure and restored it where necessary." I think its good that some rich people can actually restore a piece of history. Realistically most of us can never afford to do a proper job of restoring a rundown, badly treated building. I don't think this is gentrification but restoration. It's not like they tore the building down and built a high-rise condo with a Starbucks on the side. This is definitely better than some rich person building a faux French chateau McMansion in the suburbs.
I like the modern furniture, it makes it look fresh rather than a movie set for a historical film. However, I also think its undersized, particularly in the living room (?).
Stunning, although why the huge tv? I would be happy staring at the walls & ceiling.
I would move in, if someone would bring that house to nice safe Australia..
I have never understood the attitude that everything must be period. If you've got a really old building, should you be period accurate and stick with an outhouse or a chamberpot? I don't think so. Let's marry modern and ancient and enjoy aspects of both.
Well said hessboogie. This post makes me sad.
Blech, it looks so cold and wealthy and boring. There are truly great personal apartments in Tel Aviv-Yafo, some Jewish, some Arab, some Russian, and many of which would be interesting to feature on AT. But this reads like a brochure. What has happened to AT?
PS Miss Heliotrope, Tel Aviv-Yafo *is* safe. It is not Gaza. But come to think of it, it might be interesting for AT to feature a Palestinian apartment, or Arab Israeli one, too.
Wow -- looks like a bunch of comments got deleted from this post. That's pretty messed up. People can't express a political opinion? I don't think the missing posts broke any of the community rules (at least not the posts I saw). Make me respect AT a lot less all of a sudden.
I was just in Jaffa and I swear I saw this place! Gorgeous! If you happen to be touristing there, go to Jaffa and the look out for Andromeda's Rock. Look up toward the buildings and I think this apartment is to your immediate right. The view is amazing. They should have shown that as well!