Project: Collector’s Apartment – Vintage & Art
Architecture: Raz Melamed Architect
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Amit Geron
Collector’s Apartment by Raz Melamed Architect combines serenity with striking visual appeal for a home facing the sea. The clients, art collectors with pieces from Israel and abroad, came to Raz Melamed before construction began, asking him to create the house of their dreams. They envisioned master suites for both parents and children, an open living and hosting area, a TV corner set apart from the main living room, and a dedicated utility room.
Designing with Precision and Purpose
Raz Melamed collaborated closely with the building’s architect to implement essential changes during construction. For instance, the team eliminated aluminium partitions to create continuous glazing—a signature Mel Melamed design that brings the outside in. Large openings frame the view and optimize natural light, transforming the interior into a dynamic stage for everyday living.
The clients, well-versed in modern design from the 1950s, sourced most of their iconic furniture and lighting items as original pieces from abroad. At the same time, they commissioned contemporary art from renowned artists like Nir Hod. This careful curation creates a strict and precise balance between modern and contemporary design.
Thoughtful Material and Space Planning
Natural stone flooring serves as a neutral background and delineates public from private spaces. The public areas face west toward the balcony and the sea, while the private spaces remain modest and tucked away from the entrance, which stays hidden from the main living room. In the kitchen, a matte stainless-steel island—crafted as one seamless piece—dominates the space, underscoring the project’s high-level minimalism. Next to it, a constructive column wrapped in shiny stainless steel reflects panoramic city views.
Adjacent to the contemporary kitchen, a modern Japanese handmade dining area features traditional wooden fasteners. Matching chairs with black upholstery surround the dining space, while mesmerizing black lighting by French designer Serge Mouille casts a dramatic glow overhead. A black and white photograph, displayed on the wall between the dining area and the living room, transports viewers to an earlier era.
Creating an Inviting Living Experience
The living room features an exposed concrete wall made of custom panels with pre-planned perforations, echoing the building’s original skeleton work. A stylish carpet, contemporary sofa, modern armchairs, and coordinating tables define the space, which a standing light fixture illuminates perfectly. A walnut tree placed in the center of the concrete becomes a natural focal point that connects with the dining area and complements the flooring’s geometry.
Outside, a balcony offers airy furniture in a color palette that mirrors the interior. It features a carefully trimmed olive tree housed in a stainless-steel planter. Roll-up curtains that detach from the ceiling and sunshades inside the glazing protect the space from the harsh western sun while maintaining a clean, minimalist look.
Detailing that Enhances Functionality
Custom-designed lighting, adjustable from the ceiling, highlights furniture and defines distinct areas. The living room’s concrete wall employs wash lighting that accentuates its unique texture. The ceiling remains white and decoration-free, with integrated air conditioning outlets that mimic lighting strips for a meticulous aesthetic. Along the route to the parents’ suite, a TV corner showcases a returning concrete slab wall, and despite its small size, the clever use of dark colors creates an elegant, inviting space. The kitchen pantry, with its black stone slab cladding and dark wood facades, speaks a natural design language.
In the master suite, the former safety room transforms into a spacious closet that can hide away with a gray curtain when desired. Monochromatic, minimalist furniture on slender legs amplifies the sense of space, while a striking piece of art above the bed adds a splash of color that echoes the reflected sea.
The bathrooms follow a minimalist motif with seamless stone flooring and minimal joints. A floating white Corian sink cabinet pairs with a wall niche-mounted mirror to reinforce clean lines. In the guest bathroom, two custom carpentry units offer practical storage and add a youthful, innovative design touch.
In summary, Collector’s Apartment exemplifies how thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail can create a living space that is both functional and full of character. Each element—from the continuous glazing and custom joinery to the curated art and iconic furniture—works together to tell the story of its residents and reflect their passion for art and modern design.
