Interior Designer: Maayan MamanPhotographer: Ben RotshteinTiles, Bricks, and Faucets: MODY
This private home in Zikhron Ya'akov features a flat concrete roof situated above a charming wadi. The view from the east overlooks the Ramat HaNadiv nature reserve, while the western view extends to the sea. The family, a couple with three teenagers, occasionally went up to the roof to enjoy the scenery. This led to the idea of raising the house by adding another floor to fully appreciate the view. In practice, the original roof was dismantled, the walls were heightened, and a new roof was constructed, three meters higher than the original. Additionally, the interior designer in charge of the project, Maayan Maman, wisely decided to renovate the entrance floor as well.
The couple decided that the new floor would be used for working from home, as well as a guest room, hoping that the children would want to visit more often.
During the planning process, the beautiful view of the wadi was a significant factor. Therefore, an open balcony facing east was designed, with a wide glass window maximizing the view, without shutters or curtains.
Inside, the designer planned a new bathroom, selecting tiles, bricks, and faucets from MODY, as well as a kitchenette that includes a work table and seating area. "Since this is a separate floor, I chose completely different materials from those used in the existing house," explains Maayan Maman. "I combined solid wood flooring with a white brick wall, a kitchen made of metal, and solid wood panels for the work table. For the shower, I selected industrial-style tiles paired with graphite-finished faucets."
The construction of the new floor was done outside the house, and only after the entire floor was built did the contractor create an opening in the existing ceiling for the new floor, connecting the levels. The stairs connecting the floors are a combination of wood and iron, with some being light and others installed over existing concrete steps.
"The vision was to create a central iron structure that would accompany all the stairs, forming a significant design element that contrasts with the lightweight railing made of stretched stainless steel cables." The brick wall, located opposite the entrance to the floor, presents an urban and modern look that harmoniously contrasts with the gray wood flooring.
In the kitchen, the designer combined painted metal fronts with solid wood and iron for the work table, creating an interesting and calming mix. On the entrance floor, Maman replaced the entrance door and flooring and redesigned the entire house from A to Z. The tiles from MODY provide a neutral background for the furniture, which plays the starring role in the space.
The living room is monochromatic, with the colorful drama coming from a painting by designer Sharon Blau. The designer also planned a custom-made walnut veneer sideboard, a theme that is echoed in the sofa, ottoman, and tables.