San Francisco and Tel Aviv-based architecture and design studio Axelrod has renovated an apartment in the 1934 Zamenhof Clinic building in Tel Aviv. The former medical building designed in Bauhaus-style, like many of the buildings in the neighbourhood, underwent a transformation into a residential complex with much of the original interior architecture retained.
Axelrod’s job was to bring definition and domesticity to the 200 sq m, irregularly shaped shell. Principal architect Irit Axelrod led the design, choosing to embrace original features of the building such as the rough concrete ceiling that was left exposed, as well as a heavy structural pillar and the electricity and air-con ducts.
The open plan living room space with sofa by Living Divani and chairs by Vitra.
Balancing this preservation of the architecture’s commercial character, careful attention was paid to the remaining surfaces across the apartment. Herringbone oak flooring by Dilegno brought warmth, stain-painted concrete walls brought a softer more finished texture, while glass, custom cabinetry and black steel partitions developed the identity of the space.
A free-standing container with a black steel patina finish that floats in the middle of the open plan space solved the practicalities of the design. It hides an en suite bathroom, guest bathroom and powder room, storage and a laundry room. Meanwhile, its exterior hosts a bespoke shelving system for the display of the client’s books and art, and tucked into the container’s fourth side is a neat office desk.
Across the whole loft, clever use of lighting shapes the space, creating a continuous aesthetic through wiring, fixed lights and over-sized lamps by ViaBizzuno and David Groppi.
A desk is incoporated into the central floating container.
The master and guest bedrooms are located on the other side of the container, separated by a custom-made two-sided wardrobe above which a glass wall extends to the ceiling to create a light partition, that adds to the spacious aesthetic of the loft. Sliding doors neatly extend from the wardrobes, to close off the bedrooms for privacy when required.
Stainless steel DaDa kitchen islands and aluminium grey cabinets reflect light across the space while continuing the industrial look. In the heart of the space around which daily life revolves, Eames dining chairs, a Vitra lounge chair and sofa by Living Divani further set the Bauhaus scene.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Axelrod website
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