Round Cube House
Oded Smadar

Dialogue with the Landscape: A Contemporary Home in the Jezreel Valley

Naama Dagan Architects as Architects

Located in one of the oldest villages in the Jezreel Valley, the house stands amidst lush green fields with panoramic views of Mount Carmel. Comprising three distinct volumes, the entryway is carved between two of these masses—one side gently curved and the other linear. This transparent entry aligns directly with the landscape, offering an intriguing contrast to the solid volumes of the house. Above the central volume, a striking “floating” pergola defines the facade, shading the office terrace while adding a sculptural presence. Careful attention to the proportions and arrangement of the house results in a bold yet harmonious front that blends into the surrounding landscape.

photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar
photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar

The design reflects Mediterranean influences, finely tuned to the local climate and landscape. Multiple outdoor spaces provide shaded, breezy seating areas, including a central terrace extending from the kitchen and living room, a shaded courtyard adjacent to the bedroom wing, and an office terrace that enjoys cover from the floating pergola. The spatial flow between the interior and exterior ensures natural ventilation, capitalizing on the western breeze, while the home’s layout reveals and conceals the landscape as one moves through it. Natural finishes in soft tones allow the vibrant green scenery to stand out.

photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar
photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar

At 160 square meters and spread over two floors, the house was designed for a family of four. The ground floor accommodates three bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a guest powder room. The upper floor houses a home office with access via both internal and external stairs. This office opens onto a shaded rooftop terrace, designed to provide an outdoor escape with sweeping views of the valley.

photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar
photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar

Inside, the communal spaces feature polished concrete floors with a soft, clouded finish, paired with light gray aluminum window frames. This monochromatic palette sets the stage for the bold green views outside. The kitchen, crafted from bleached birch wood, continues the minimalist aesthetic, allowing nature to take center stage. With its open design, the house guides movement from one framed view to another, filling each space with soft, natural light. Traditional corridors are absent, replaced by naturally lit transitions between spaces.

photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar
photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar
photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar

A central hall, featuring a large window framing the outdoor scenery, leads to the bedrooms and bathroom on the ground floor. From here, one can access the semi-enclosed west-facing courtyard, shaded by a pergola and perfect for intimate outdoor gatherings. The upper floor office, designed in minimalist style with muted tones, opens onto a private rooftop terrace. This terrace, sheltered by the pergola, becomes a secluded space for enjoying the landscape. Drawing from Mediterranean architectural elements, the house creates a balance between privacy and a strong connection to its natural surroundings.

photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar
photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar
photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar
photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar

The master bedroom, located on the ground floor, embraces soft, natural tones, with windows that offer intimate views of the surrounding greenery while maintaining a sense of privacy. The house, through its design and materials, becomes an exploration of contrasts: it balances bold architectural gestures with subtle connections to the landscape, revealing the essence of its location while offering a tranquil, naturally lit sanctuary for family life.

photo_credit Oded Smadar
Oded Smadar
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