Iceberg Apartment
Mikaela Burstow

Iceberg apartment

Laila Architecture as Architects

Pale birch plywood, natural lime plaster and local terrazzo tiles feature in a 100 sq meters apartment in central Tel-Aviv, designed by Laila Architecture (Arch. Talia Davidi).

photo_credit Mikaela Burstow
Mikaela Burstow

Located in a typical residential building from 1961, the square formed apartment was renovated as an homage to the local 1960's modernist architecture using ecological up-to-date materials, creating a serene haven in the heart of Tel-Aviv. A limited and repeated set of light materials were chosen in order to achieve a serene space.

photo_credit Mikaela Burstow
Mikaela Burstow
photo_credit Mikaela Burstow
Mikaela Burstow

Aiming for natural textures and soft atmosphere, to suit the young-at-heart retired clients, the design is composed of exposed light wood carpentry, locally produced terrazzo tiles and local natural lime plaster.

photo_credit Mikaela Burstow
Mikaela Burstow

Initially all partitions and old additions were demolished to create a fluid, light space. In order to create a much needed buffer from the tough Israeli summer sun, both original balconies were reopened according to the original 1960's plan, allowing space for the clients’ love for gardening.

photo_credit Mikaela Burstow
Mikaela Burstow

The main feature of the design is an 8 meters long double sided carpentry piece, a wooden “iceberg”, which acts as a private-public divider. The division is emphasized by tiles in opposite tones - sand hued terrazzo moderating the intense south-western light hitting the public zone, and white terrazzo brightening the gloomy northern private zone.

photo_credit Mikaela Burstow
Mikaela Burstow

The angular carved part of the iceberg, facing the dining and living room, is dedicated to display (and a hidden bar), while the apartment storage is concentrated on the private side. The tip of the iceberg ushers towards the public open space - kitchen, dining, living room and balcony. It is followed by a parallel 8 meters multi-functional seat which can be used as a dining seat, a shelf, as a low table for the clients’ grandchildren, and a built-in sofa, among other uses.

photo_credit Mikaela Burstow
Mikaela Burstow

Project team: 

Architect: Laila Architecture

Contractor: Lior Carmi

Carpentry: Amir Weiser Carpentry

 

Caption

Materials used:

Flooring: Terrazzo tiles, Hamomhe Tiles

Render: Natural lime plaster, Tradical® Décor

Project Credits
Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrand
Render - Natural lime plasterBCB TRADICAL
Product Spec Sheet
Render - Natural lime plaster
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