Pitsou Kedem Architects: In Praise of Shadows

Architects: Pitsou Kedem Architects.
Location: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
Year completed: 2014.
Area: 580.0 sqm
Photography: Amit Geron.

Mass and space combine together in a perforated, weathered steel structure that creates and sets clear boundaries for this house near Tel Aviv by Israeli architect Pitsou Kedem. Located in Savion, this house is a clever interplay of light and shadows, concrete and weathered steel surfaces, and open and closed spaces. 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.

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 timber inside offsets 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.