Tel Aviv Apartment Transformed Into Active Ninja Zone for Kids

An architect has redesigned a 150-square-meter apartment in central Tel Aviv, adding a 28-square-meter balcony, for a family with three young children. The project, initiated three years ago, aimed to create a unique and engaging living space, deviating from conventional design.

The apartment features an open-plan living area encompassing the living room, kitchen, and dining space, leading to a lush balcony. Key design elements include recycled wood flooring in a herringbone pattern and exposed concrete ceilings, achieved through a micro-topping process. The walls are painted a greige hue, a choice that was initially debated but ultimately embraced by the homeowners after a repaint, reinforcing the architect's professional judgment.

The kitchen is characterized by dark espresso cabinets and a dramatic stone countertop that extends to the walls. The dining area features a large table and chairs from EDITION BY, a store that also supplied much of the home's accessories and smaller items, as the owners wished to furnish the new apartment entirely with new pieces.

A striking feature is a custom-built carpentry wall in the living room, designed to integrate the television and create a distinct transition between the public and private areas of the home. This wall, a complex project for the architect, is finished in a combination of black veneer and painted wood, with curved shelving.

Unconventionally, all three children share a single bedroom, which has been equipped with a professional ninja-training apparatus. This setup, inspired by the two older children's participation in ninja competitions, utilizes the exposed ceiling structure and pipes. The former safe room (Mamad) has been converted into a home office for the mother, and another bedroom serves as a family room. The architect noted that approximately ten children are often seen using the ninja equipment daily.

The master bedroom and en-suite bathroom are also meticulously designed for space efficiency, incorporating built-in furniture and unique finishes. The architect praised the collaboration with the homeowners, particularly their trust and openness to innovative ideas, which led to new professional partnerships.