Shadow play: Pitsou Kedem Architects cast an Israeli residence in a new light

Stone building surrounded with trees
Designed by Pitsou Kedem Architects, this new residence near Tel Aviv masterfully balances contrasts
(Image credit: TBC)

This new house in Israel, by local practice Pitsou Kedem Architects, is a clever interplay of light and shadows, concrete and weathered steel surfaces, and open and closed spaces. Located in Savion, a smart residential area a short drive from central Tel Aviv, the house was designed by architects Pitsou Kedem, Irene Goldberg and Hila Sela for a single person as a space to live in and receive guests and family.

A floorplan of a house

(Image credit: TBC)

Shadow is the building's most important element, explains Kedem, a fact clearly hinted at in the residence's name: In Praise of Shadows. Sunlight - available abundantly within the local climate - was a key influence in the design process. The structure elegantly takes advantage of changing light patterns throughout the day, harnessing natural light to create a 'dynamic drama' through the house's Cor-Ten chequerboard screen on the upper-level façade. This both floods the spaces and helps shape the character of the rooms inside.

Indeed, the internal spaces are rich in textures and views; the strong concrete walls simultaneously frame and protect residents, while opening up the home to the surroundings beyond. Warm brown woods inside offset the concrete structure's rougher external feel. The internal arrangement is clear and straightforward, spanning two distinct levels.

The ground floor contains the common areas, while the first floor is home to two generous bedrooms, bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. The generous double-height living space is overlooked by a long internal balcony upstairs, featuring the library. Courtyards shaded by the Cor-Ten screen open up towards the garden, which includes a swimming pool. The courtyards are dotted with carefully placed plants.

A design masterfully balancing contrasts, In Praise of Shadows is a residence that creates an inviting visual dialogue between inside and outside, making the most out of the site's climatic conditions.

Close up of exterior details

Shadow is the building's most important element, a fact clearly hinted at in the residence's name, In Praise of Shadows

(Image credit: TBC)

Shadows showing inside stone building

The architects harnessed natural light to create a 'dynamic drama' through the house's Cor-Ten chequerboard screen on the upper-level façade

(Image credit: TBC)

Upstairs view of apartment

The internal arrangement is clear and straightforward, spanning two distinct levels

(Image credit: TBC)

Rocking chair on top floor balcony

The generous double-height living space is overlooked by a long internal balcony upstairs, featuring the library

(Image credit: TBC)

Dining area with open doors to garden area

The ground floor (which Kedem calls the 'central zone') contains the common areas

(Image credit: TBC)

Shelving unit dividing rooms

Warm brown woods inside offset the concrete structure's rougher external feel

(Image credit: TBC)

Checked room dividers

The internal spaces are rich in light, textures and patterns

(Image credit: TBC)

Bathroom with walk in shower

The ground floor contains the common areas, while the first floor is home to two generous bedrooms, bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe

(Image credit: TBC)

Close up of bathroom sink

In Praise of Shadows is a residence that creates an inviting visual dialogue between inside and outside

(Image credit: TBC)

Outdoor pool

Courtyards shaded by the Cor-Ten screen open up towards the garden, which includes a swimming pool

(Image credit: TBC)

Courtyard with small tree

The courtyards are dotted with carefully placed plants

(Image credit: TBC)
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