Piloti Paradise

This single-family townhouse located within the White City of Tel Aviv, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its collection of Bauhaus-inspired buildings, draws inspiration from the iconic elements of the International Style incorporating them with sustainable features and a local contemporary interpretation. Reflecting the distinctive character of the White City, the townhouse showcases clean lines, geometric shapes, and a minimalist aesthetic. By honoring the architectural heritage, infusing it with sustainable features and a thoughtful division of space, this architectural project seeks to create a harmonious and comfortable living environment that seamlessly blends with its urban surroundings.
The townhouse features a striking piloti level, a characteristic of Bauhaus architecture, where the ground floor is elevated on sturdy columns. This design element not only creates a sense of openness and lightness but also minimizes the building's footprint and promotes efficient land use, maximizing the outdoor space on this small urban lot. The elevated structure provides shade and airflow, creating a pleasant microclimate that can be enjoyed nearly year-round. Whether for relaxation, play, or entertainment, this garden oasis becomes an inviting and refreshing extension of the living area, offering a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
One of the standout features is the implementation of brisolei, a shading system inspired by traditional elements of Mediterranean architecture. These concrete sunshades optimize energy efficiency by reducing solar heat gain during the scorching Tel Aviv summers while allowing ample natural light to illuminate the interiors.
Strategic placement of northern windows ensures a balance between daylighting and thermal comfort, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and reducing energy consumption. The use of renewable materials further reinforces the commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the townhouse remains environmentally friendly throughout its lifespan.
In line with sustainable design principles, the ground level of the townhouse includes a lush green roof. This eco-friendly feature enhances thermal insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and contributes to the overall wellbeing of the environment.
Taking sustainability to new heights, the rooftop of this townhouse is transformed into an urban farm. This eco-friendly feature enhances thermal insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and contributes to the overall wellbeing of the environment. Here, the family cultivates a variety of organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs, fostering self-sufficiency and reducing food miles.
The townhouse is thoughtfully designed to cater to the diverse needs of its inhabitants. The different floors are dedicated to specific functions, optimizing the limited floor areas on the small lot, and creating distinct zones within the residence.
The basement, with a separate entrance, functions as a dedicated office space. On the ground floor, a shaded garden provides a tranquil retreat offering recreational spaces for relaxation and leisure. The first floor accommodates the main living area, encompasses open-plan areas for socializing and entertaining, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. The second floor features a spacious master bedroom, and a study overlooking the double height space of the living area below. The third floor is designed specifically for children, creating a vibrant and playful environment. Each level boasts its own private outdoor space, either in the form of a balcony or a garden, providing residents with a connection to nature and an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in privacy.
To seamlessly connect the programs across the different floors, this townhouse features a strategically designed layout that promotes a cohesive flow and integration between the various spaces. The staircase, which runs alongside the four-story library, serves as the central axis that unifies the entire residence. Allowing the residents to enjoy a continuous visual connection between the different functions, while to their hobbies, collections, and memorabilia are displayed as they move through the different levels of the townhouse. This design element not only adds visual interest but also enhances the overall cohesion and continuity of the spaces, creating a unified and harmonious living environment.
In this urban townhouse, modernist architecture meets sustainable design principles, resulting in a pioneering dwelling that redefines urban living. Embodying a harmonious fusion of aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility, it stands as an example of how sustainable design can be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of modern cities. By blending the iconic Bauhaus elements of the White City with sustainable design principles, this townhouse project creates a harmonious and contemporary living environment. It pays homage to the unique architectural heritage of Tel Aviv while striving for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.