John Pawson Turns an Old Hospital and Convent Into a Luxe Hotel in Israel
After an extensive renovation, the doors to Israel's beautifully designed Jaffa Hotel are officially open.
Located less than four miles from Tel Aviv, in the historic port city of Jaffa, the recently completed Jaffa Hotel has been designed by London–based architectural designer John Pawson, together with local conservationist and architect Ramy Gill.
Pawson, who is known for his signature minimalist style and visionary designs, and Gill worked alongside a team of restoration experts to meticulously and lovingly restore the 19th-century structure that once served as a French hospital and convent. Working with a neutral color palette that seamlessly blends into the Mediterranean climate and the property’s heady atmosphere, the project successfully juxtaposes the historic elements of the building with Pawson's elegant, contemporary touch. With a transformation that has spanned over a decade, the results are nothing short of spectacular.
During the renovation, Pawson and Gill added an entirely new building to the former hospital and convent. In the new structure, Pawson has created a modernist lobby, highlighting remnants of a 13th-century Crusader’s bastion wall that was uncovered during the excavation.
Photo: Amit Geron
The bastion wall has been incorporated into the lobby's design.
Photo: Amit Geron
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A view from the exterior.
Photo: Amit Geron
The lobby’s historic elements are juxtaposed with classic midcentury designs from Shiro Kuramata and Pierre Paulin, and tied together with artwork by Damien Hirst.
Photo: Amit Geron
The lobby also features a Sheshbesh (backgammon) lounge and has been completed with bespoke tables designed by Pawson, which pay homage to the traditional games that merchants play in the nearby Jaffa market.
Photo: Amit Geron
A close-up of the Shebesh tables designed by Pawson.
Photo: Amit Geron
The Jaffa Hotel has a total of 120 hotel rooms and suites, along with a new six-story wing that features 32 private residences.
Photo: Amit Geron
A series of arches and colonnades lead to a secluded central courtyard situated between the old structures and Pawson's new addition.
Photo: Amit Geron
There is also a gorgeous outdoor pool.
Photo: Amit Geron
Restored elements include stucco and stonework.
Photo: Amit Geron
Plastered walls were scraped to reveal generations of patina.
Photo: Amit Geron
A peek at the striking contemporary lounge bar located in the historic 19th-century chapel.
Photo by Amit Geron
Gorgeous golden-yellow Cini Boeri Botolo chairs pair perfectly with the chapel's neutral palette and high ceilings.
Photo: Amit Geron
One of the hotel's eating establishments is the New York-style deli Golda’s Delicatessen, whose decor includes modernist chairs from Thonet set against a backdrop of historic stonework.
Photo by Amit Geron
The minimalist Pawson-designed spa.
Photo by Amit Geron
The rooms boast the same contemporary yet historic feel. This is the "Deluxe Historic Room".
Photo by Amit Geron
The stylish Presidential suite features a sofa and chairs from Lignet Roset.
Photo by Amit Geron
The bedroom of the Presidential suite.
Photo by Amit Geron
Throughout the hotel, patterned screens known as Masharabiya complement contemporary motifs and patterns—Pawson’s homage to traditional Middle Eastern architecture.
Photo by Amit Geron
An exterior view of an artistic row of balconies.
Photo by Amit Geron
The rooms offer spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea
Photo by Amit Geron
The Jaffa Hotel is located at 2 Louis Pasteur Street, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Project Credits:
Architects of Record: John Pawson (@johnpawson) and Ramy Gill
Interior Design: John Pawson
Landscape Architects: Rees Roberts + Partners LLP
Interior fit-out, bespoke furniture, joinery, and some external stonework: B&B Italia
Windows: Panoramah
Windows & metal works: Glassteel
Metalwork: Jofebar
Lighting design: RTLD
Bespoke Furniture: AHSAP
Apartment Kitchens: Bulthaup
Objects: when objects work
Bespoke lighting: And/Costa
Exterior stonework: Jerusalem Gardens
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