Vertical Stone House Old City
Step inside the home and you’re instantly greeted with a delicate dialogue between the old and new; the traditional and contemporary.
Designers Henkin Irit & Shavit Zohar, have managed to approach the site with both a manner or preservation and renewal through the use of materials and the layout of the floor plan. Built in the shape of the Hebrew “Chet”, the interior surrounds an inner courtyard and extends over five levels.
The architects worked diligently to connect the interior spaces with the exterior, as well as maintain a relationship between the public and private.
After documentation, the architects began exposing areas of the site. Stone walls, arches, and stone niches began to appear, as well as an impressive water well. In many ways, what was revealed influenced the current plan of the house, in particular the impressive vertical section connecting spaces within the interior.
“The design of the house presents the old via original lime-stones, arches, vaults and niches, while the new gets represented by materials such as concrete, mosaics, steel and tin threshing, as well as transparent and semi-transparent glass”, Henkin Shavit.
A bridge connectd to different wings of the building, which lead onto balconies and outdoor spaces. Shards of light are positioned throughout the interior to maximise the connection with the outside and allow natural light to filter down the levels of the building.
But it’s the upper level with a sleeping and working area that have captivated the magnificent views with a generous balcony looking over the city and to Mt. Meron.
Naturally, we’re drawn to the use of stone throughout the home, and greatly admire the architect’s ability to successfully retain a sense of history and tradition, while bringing the building into the 21st century.
Architect: Henkin Shavit Architecture & Design
Photography: Asaf pinchuk
