Project: One House, Two Ways of Living
Architects: Arch. Sara Fenkel and Nirit Frenkel
Location: North Israel
Photo credits: Itay Benit
Five different individuals. Four different styles. One big happy family. This house is the definition of harmonious design.
This magnificent farm house is situated in one of north Israel’s oldest cooperative communities (‘Moshav’). This 600 sqm farm house is the home to a couple in their late 40’s. The wife, a creative artist and her husband, a real-estate developer and their three grown daughters in their early 20’s. An additional 120 sqm, shaded by a wooden pergola, serves as an outdoor entertaining overlooking a breathtaking view.
The house is divided into two main areas: the first one, a communal area over 100 sqm in size, with an impressive 6 meters high wooden ceiling. The area includes living spaces such as the living room, dining area and a kitchen which is installed with a wide island built for a party of 10, a pantry and laundry room. This wide and inviting area was designed fusion-style, with elements reminiscent of Texas, southern California, and Mexico meets Toscana vibes. From the touch of handmade red embellished rugs to the country-chic style chandelier, all represent Frenkel’s eclectic signature design. Abundant with warm materials such as oak flooring, old wooden ceiling, burgundy-stone, and decorated with handmade painted, authentic shabby furniture, and pottery handmade by the homeowner – this house is designed to provide a multidimensional character and feel. This decadent and unique style was chosen to complement the owners’ personal style and way of life, hers as an artist, and his as a nature lover, with strong passion as a vinedresser.
The kitchen doors open up to the outdoor entertaining area with comfortable sofas and couches, a dining area for 16 people and a fully equipped kitchen.
The second main area of the house is the girls’ accommodation. With both external and internal entrances for better privacy, this section was designed differently to the rest of the house but with a similar use of materials. dominant color is sheer white, including a white painted wooden ceiling to brighten the area and give it a clean and a country-chic modern feel. The windows are framed with black aluminum.
The master bedroom is generously spread over 130 sqm, divided into three different areas: sleeping area with a sitting space for a night cap, wardrobe and storage area, and finally a large indulgent bathroom with two separate sinks, baths and lavatory for each spouse. A wide shower stall is uniquely positioned in the middle of the room, giving it an intimate sexy touch.
One of the main challenges in the design process was to create a warm intimate feel in this large, open-space loft area. In order to do so, the Frenkels chose to paint the wooden ceiling in a maroon-grey shade, accessories and art work were cleverly positioned to create a unique and personal feel. The final touch was given by the textile elements such as rugs, cushions and luxury items, which automatically soften the living area and create natural and subtle definition and division between areas.
Two focal points were created in this open area: the display cabinets in the dining area being one, and the other is the TV and fireplace unit in the living room. Both elements have been raised and positioned in a way that re-proportioned the space to create a more compact and more homogenous feel.
