Planning and design: Hillel Architecture - architect Shira Moskal and interior designer Hadas RothProject manager on behalf of "Hillel Architecture": Rinat Grover-YosefThe house: Jerusalem duplex 300 square meters + 150 square meters balconyPhotography: Maor Moyal
"The Jerusalem duplex in the prestigious Rehavia neighborhood is intended first and foremost for non-residents, who immigrate to Israel and see the capital city as their future residence," explain architect Shira Moskal and interior designer Hadas Roth from Hillel Architecture. When the big challenge was to plan and design a luxury apartment, we have no idea who the family will end up living in, what are their needs, preferences, etc.
Although Jerusalem is not the recognized place where they work and know the souls who work, but mainly in the cities of Sharon and the center, they decided to "go" for it. During Moskal's vacation in the capital city, she met with the developer and realized that this was a gem that could be turned into a special and rare apartment. Moskal explains, "This is a duplex apartment in a boutique building around it. The two floors dominate a private floor, with four air directions and a mesmerizing view of Jerusalem. In terms of planning, the apartment was lacking in terms of the internal division, and the placement of the functions in the space. We were required to plan and design while adjusting to the Jewish-American audience, which tends to choose in Jerusalem as the preferred residential destination."
For her part, Roth says: "There is something magical about designing and planning an apartment for an unknown party. Since the choice of materials, the colors, the furniture, the design concept, everything is free. On the other hand, there is a certain risk here, because there is no second party and all dealings were with the developer, who trusted us all along the way ".
"Although the aforementioned client is a question mark, we aimed at a very specific target audience - a traditional American family. One that is looking for a very high level of finish in terms of infrastructure and materials." Regarding the design, Hillel Architecture created an apartment that would be suitable as a permanent residence or as a vacation apartment, with many suites and shared spaces, which are suitable for a large family. The design concept corresponded with Jerusalem, such as rough plaster with a stone look on the interior walls, arches with carpentry details, combining modern elements and materials.
Each floor has a different statement. The upper floor is very open and offers a 360 degree view of Jerusalem, a floor that sanctifies Jerusalem. We chose stone shades in a combination of black and gold, classic and temporary shades. All the walls on the floor were plastered with a stone-colored willow plaster finish. In contrast, the lower floor is light and colorful. It has a central space that functions as a second family and more intimate living room, next to it is a kitchenette. A special and central corner located between the various bedroom suites. For this floor, covering in American walnut fishbone parquet was chosen. Each suite is characterized by a different color and the central space is also a different shade. The central staircase was destroyed and a sculptural staircase made of iron and wood was built in its place.
The uniqueness of the apartment is reflected in the fact that the stairs are in the middle. This allows for windows throughout the perimeter and creates an interesting and unconventional relationship between the floors. The stairs go down and do not block the space. Usually in a duplex the rooms are upstairs, and in this apartment you go down to the bedroom floor. This allows for a very open space, with the railing getting a lot of attention. That's why the railing became a decorative iron library. For the benefit of the American audience, classic bathrooms were designed with floor-to-ceiling stone-like tiles with very minimalistic details.
In conclusion, Moskal explains, "This apartment opened the way for us to work in Jerusalem. We fell in love with working in the magical city. It has opportunities for unique and interesting projects, certainly for the Jewish community in the world, for whom the war only accelerated their desire to immigrate and we have the ability to give that client who lives abroad" to the answer he needs".