Location: Ramat Aviv, Tel AvivFor: A couple in their 30s with two young childrenProperty: Penthouse – Main area: approx. 210 sq.m + 2 terraces, each approx. 50 sq.mPlanning and Interior Design: Halel Architecture and Interior Design (Project Manager: Adi Shani)Photography: Maor Moyal
At first glance, it seemed the perfect property: a spacious apartment on a high floor with views of the urban landscape and the sea, located on one of Ramat Aviv’s most sought-after streets. Yet, the angular layout and noticeable separation between the public and private sections deterred many potential buyers. This changed when a couple in their 30s, with two young children, recognized the advantages and seized the opportunity. They turned to Halel Architecture and Interior Design, and now, interior designer Hadas Roth, co-owner of the firm and co-designer with Adi Shani, shares the transformation process.
"I completely understand why, in its initial state, it was hard for buyers to grasp the layout," says Roth. "Starting with the fact that upon opening the front door, the first thing in sight was the guest bathroom—not the ideal first impression after a long day. Additionally, the public areas were so vast it was challenging to envision how to utilize them effectively and create a cozy, homely atmosphere. The apartment's area is closer to that of a villa, and the angular design, which separates the public space from the private rooms, created a sense of disconnection. Moreover, the angled walls created a restless and uncomfortable feeling, so we needed creative solutions to 'straighten' them and square off the spaces."
Indeed, the designers transformed the angular layout into a straight and pleasant space with complex carpentry designs, giving it a precise and modern look while creating ample storage. They made the public area cozy and inviting by properly defining functions and using appropriately scaled furniture. Additionally, they added two functions not originally present in the apartment, which the new owners needed: a family room and a guest suite.
"The interior changed completely: we stripped the existing elements, demolished walls, relocated infrastructures, and in the new design, the flow between and within the spaces became much more effective," Roth explains. "The new layout also created a more logical connection between the interior and the two large terraces, one near the dining area adjacent to the entrance and living room, and the other by the kitchen and family area."
"Due to the original walls' alignment and their significant distance, the interaction between the two terraces was minimal before the renovation. However, the new design allows the family and guests to enjoy both simultaneously: near the kitchen, there’s a dining area for casual meals. The terrace by the living room was initially covered, with access through an angled wall we straightened at the expense of the public area, gaining large, continuous openings with views of the city and sea. We designed it as an experiential and fantastic space for hosting, with a large dining area, a lounge corner, a bar, and a BBQ station overlooking the view. We also included a jacuzzi and a shower."
"These charming corners make the outdoor space dynamic, and the new partitions we implemented turned major drawbacks into advantages. One notable benefit is the excellent living and hosting space for both children and adults, where interaction is close yet maintains intimacy."
The pleasant vibes in this apartment are greatly enhanced by the fusion-style design: "We created harmonious and calm blends of several styles," Roth explains. "The mother of the family is very attached to the warmth of the rustic style, which we paired with modern, industrial references, and retro touches—various elements and items combined to form an interesting and unexpected picture. The chosen color scheme is mostly Nordic and light, with splashes of wooden details and shades of green, blue, and earth tones. The textiles and curtains also contribute to the delicate look, allowing soft natural light to penetrate in the right doses."
"The entrance wall leading to the guest bathroom was clad in light carpentry, filled with storage compartments and display shelves, concealing the function from view and transforming the area from angular to straight and refined. In the bathroom itself, we chose not to place a carpentry item but instead created an integrated Caesarstone sink as a sculptural element. As in all the wet rooms in the apartment, we chose solid and clean tiles, with a rationale of using timeless elements that significantly contribute to the pleasant feeling and will remain relevant for years."
Another significant carpentry unit in the entrance area continues to wrap around the living room wall, defining the multimedia area—contributing to the straight look and creating a focal point. "We used various carpentry items throughout the apartment to hide elements we wanted to keep out of sight while adding plenty of practical storage," Roth adds.
The dining area is also located near the entrance, in a space previously unused before the renovation. In the new design, it enjoys a window with the apartment’s most beautiful view and a distant sea view: "We chose an oval oak table for it, softening the whole area, paired with dark wooden chairs."
"The living room is essentially the center of the apartment," says Roth. "It is very large and serves as a sort of transition to the different functions, right in the heart of the house. Therefore, we chose large, deep, and comfortable seating systems of various types, including a chaise lounge that invites lounging. Furthermore, the living room’s strategic location allows those sitting there to enjoy a panoramic view from the terraces and the large window."
"In the kitchen, designed in a light rustic style with a bright color scheme, we created three strips: a unit of tall cabinets, a large central island, and another unit where the sink and stove are located. This arrangement, without corners, allows for a pleasant flow and practical, comfortable use. Additionally, the connection between the kitchen and the nearby terrace, where the dining area for daily meals awaits the family, is almost direct. The TV screen on the terrace can be adjusted and viewed from almost any angle—outside and in the kitchen itself."
"The glass door next to the kitchen leads to the family area, which serves as the children's playroom, with another exit to the family terrace: 'We designed for them a private and experiential space, with plenty of storage for toys and books, a deep and comfortable seating area, and a multimedia wall. This space is another example of the planning approach we sought to create—strategic and important spaces, partly hidden, partly open to the public area. The apartment's areas are not revealed all at once but in stages, making it intriguing, different, and experiential.'"
From public to private—the area where the children's rooms and the parents' master bedroom are located: "The children's rooms were designed with a light and neutral envelope, with items matching their age and taste. For their bathroom, the client chose tiles in a greenish hue that were spread on the walls of the wet area we defined, where the bathtub and shower are located, so both young children can bathe simultaneously. Light gray terrazzo tiles were chosen for the floor."
The master bedroom was designed as an urban oasis: a large mirror was created in the entrance area of the room, hiding the door leading to the walk-in closet, with another passage to the bathroom. Such a design allows one of the partners to shower and get ready without disturbing the other. The separate units, hidden from view, give the bedroom an open and airy look, much like an intimate suite in a luxury hotel."