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The division of simple and comfortable space, maximum natural light and a diverse colour palette are the foundations of Architect Raanan Stern's renovation of this family home. The original 140 sq m two-story house was built in the 1970's, with an elongated plan with two shared external walls allowed two directions of natural light; the design concept was to emphasise the structure of the house.
The ground floor plan is enriched by replacing the flooring, which gives the appearance of movement and direction, by the use of large mirrors and furniture that are led by columns which divide the kitchen and the lounge.
The large unit in the space whose main function is the kitchen, is made of olive painted wood and exposed birch surfaces. The combination of the pale wood and green palette create a rich and pleasant visual experience. In addition, the whole unit stands on a black low platform which gives a light and airy feel to the heavy wooden unit.
Table lamps from the 1970's were dismantled and turned into colourful metal light fixtures above the dining spaces. Scattered throughout the house are over 30 small cylindrical lighting fixtures mounted on the ceiling, which emphasize small corners or interesting junctions between the wall and the ceiling.
The original terrazzo staircase was renovated and the new wooden handrail softens the mass fixed to the walls.
Simple design, the use of simple forms and long white walls allowed the architect to use coloured surfaces to create individual space for each of the family members.
Storage units are identical throughout the house, concealed by a white flat appearance while the hidden handle is revealed by a wooden texture.
The master bedroom is designed so that the headboard acts as the back wall of the closet creating a corridor that conceals the washing area. The closet allows the passage of natural light and air in the direction of the shower room and creates a light feeling in the space.
Mediterranean weather requires solutions for constant circulation of air on humid days, thus scattered throughout the house are ceiling fans. The relatively low pergola is designed to allow enough light to penetrate while providing shade. In addition it produces a feeling of continuity to the elongated plan through the transparent façade from the living area to the large garden in the rear.
"The customer 's insistence on a simple space without unnecessary complexity parallel to a cosy family home gave me the opportunity and challenged me to create an airy living space with a vibrant family atmosphere," explains Stern.