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Simple Yet Not Simplistic By Shira Shenton
All too often, we receive phone calls at AI along the lines of "I've seen this amazing house - straight out of Barcelona - in really good taste, with Thai bamboo furniture and authentic Moroccan blinds - you've just got to publish it..." No need to explain our polite silence, but on the other hand, maybe the time has come to define what we are really looking for. So here goes: A restrained building which reflects its architect's ability to express the spirit of the times and the client's needs. A building that makes proper use of the qualities and advantages of the site while making its own contribution to the area. A building that speaks for itself, but doesn't shout. Most importantly, an Israeli building built for Israelis in Israel. And how is this done? By hiring an architect who understands what we mean and who is professional enough to pull it off.
Two Houses by Bar Orian Architects: 1. Semi-detached home - Ramat Hasharon The semi-detached house is built on a small lot, yet the limited distribution possibilities are compensated for a close relationship with the pine forest at the rear. The four floors, arranged in a spiral, categorically differentiate the areas: on the top floor are the parents' quarters with access to the rooftop courtyard; on the middle floor - the family room, workroom and children's rooms; on the entrance floor are the living spaces; and on the ground floor is the children's section with a separate exit to the front garden. A controlled visibility creates a filtered visual connection to the outside. The approach path deeply penetrates the lot, as if "striving" to reach the pine forest at the rear, seen through the kitchen windows. 2. Rural home - The Sharon The "L" shape plan of two wings and a public connecting area, dictates a well defined hierarchy of independent spaces. In a rural setting relatively free of space restrictions, the building is spread out horizontally to integrate with the surroundings. Therefore the scenery is experienced from many angles and the spaces are perceived gradually. Despite the horizontal deployment, the building "floats" upon a wooden deck which separates it from the ground. Its cold white walls are warmed with wooden detailing, and most importantly, the impression conveyed is that simple doesn't have to be simplistic.
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