Duplex Penthouse & Roof Terrace in Tel Aviv by Toledano + Architects.

Toledano + Architects have recently renovated this two level duplex apartment in Tel Aviv, which features an arresting folded steel staircase supported by suspended steel rods. The sculptural staircase becomes the centrepiece of the home, which was redesigned to suit the needs of a young family. The stair is suspended from the walls and ceiling without touching the ground. Instead, the stair finishes just above a timber bench which forms the last two steps. The intricate rod arrangements of the stair creates an enclosure that serves as a balustrade.

According to Gabrielle Toledano of Toledano + Architects, “The main challenge was to combine privacy between quiet parents’ and children areas, and big spacious and modular living spaces that would encourage get-togethers and would play with the powerful Middle-Eastern light.” This challenge was resolved in the clever planning of the space – the lower level sees the parent’s and children’s zones separated by a centralised modular and flexible living space that sits between them. On the upper level, the large kitchen, lounge and enveloping roof terrace blend into each other thereby creating a seamless articulation of the idea of erasing the boundaries of internal and external space.

[Images courtesy of Toledano + Architects. Photography by Oded Smadar.]