Israeli Home Design Blends Rustic Exterior With Modern Interior

A unique home in Even Yehuda, Israel, was designed with the garden as the starting point, with the house built around it. Architect Guy Azrieli, in collaboration with landscape architects Galim Ganim, designed the 350-square-meter house on a 450-square-meter plot for a family of five. The homeowners requested that the garden be a central feature, leading Azrieli to integrate landscape architects from the initial design phase.

The design prioritizes outdoor experiences, with various zones for relaxation, movement, greenery, and water, all oriented towards the house. The house itself is shaped like the letter 'R' to embrace the central swimming pool. To create a sense of privacy and a unique perspective, the ground floor was elevated slightly above street level, with a gradual approach to the entrance.

Externally, the house features rustic elements like exposed beams, tiled roofs, and window frames, reflecting the homeowners' initial preference for a country style. Internally, however, the design shifts to a clean, modern, and restrained aesthetic. This contrast is evident in the dark kitchen against a lighter living room, and the use of glass and iron.

The ground floor serves as an intermediate space, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living. The living room, dining area, kitchen, and family room all open towards the pool. Large windows and continuous flooring blur the lines between the interior and exterior. The design incorporates a "tech wall" in the living room that integrates a fireplace, air conditioning, and audio-visual systems, with a rhythmic pattern that extends to other parts of the house.

Upstairs, the private quarters maintain the connection to nature. Skylights illuminate the stairwell, casting dynamic light patterns. Exposed wooden beams are visible in the master bedroom and upper hallways. The master bedroom offers views of the pool and garden, with large windows maximizing natural light and greenery. Even the basement home theater includes an English courtyard to bring in light and plants.

The home is designed for both entertaining and daily family life, featuring distinct areas for living, dining, work, and relaxation, alongside the pool and various outdoor seating areas. The landscaping is intentionally natural and random, creating a dynamic and living environment.