Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port

In the ancient Israeli port city of Jaffa in Tel Aviv is an old cave-like dwelling that was transformed into a minimalist home that draws you in like a chiaroscuro painting.

Located along one of the oldest sections of the harbor with a view of the Mediterranean Sea, this 1,076-square-foot residence boasts mysterious arched corridors, vaulted rooms, clandestine crevices, and corners that create interesting fluctuations of light and shadow. 

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 1 of 16 -

Refurbished by Israeli architect Pitsou Kedem, the entryway to the home is set into an arch, with vertical metal grills on one side and an asymmetrical, black metal door on the other.

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 2 of 16 -

The house consists of an entrance courtyard, living room, kitchen, dining room, study with an en-suite bathroom, bedroom, bathroom, and a sea-facing patio that's accessible from the bedroom.

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 3 of 16 -

There are no doors in the house. Instead, arched thresholds indicate the end of one area and the beginning of another. 

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 4 of 16 -
Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 5 of 16 -

Kedem united all the rooms into a single flowing space, much like an underground lair in a secret tunnel. 

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 6 of 16 -

Storage space was created from both existing and new crevices. The restoration involved removing the ornamentation left on the arched ceilings by the previous owner and covering them with white plaster. 

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 7 of 16 -

In contrast, the plaster concealing the kitchen’s impressive domed ceiling was removed. 

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 8 of 16 -

To even out the ground, Kedem adjusted the floor height throughout the property using raw-cast concrete. 

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 9 of 16 -

Filling stone accents were used throughout various sections of the interior. 

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 10 of 16 -

The arched thresholds and corridors were strategically left doorless to frame both the bright and dark areas between the rooms, as well as perspectives of the sea, which can be seen from all rooms. 

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 11 of 16 -

Blackened-tin frames were used for the arched windows in order to provide a progressively modern contrast to the white walls. 

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 12 of 16 -

By expertly blending the old and new, Kedem created a contemporary abode that honors its historic past while being well-suited for modern-day use.

Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 13 of 16 -
Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 14 of 16 -
Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 15 of 16 -
Explore a Mysterious Cave-Like Home Near Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa Port - Photo 16 of 16 -

Project Credits: 

 - Architecture: Pitsou Kedem 

- Design: Irene Goldberg, Pitsou Kedem 

- Architect in Charge: Raz Melamed 

- Builder: Asaf Lupo Ltd. 

- Styling For Photography: Eti Buskila

- Photography: Amit Geron 

Michele Koh Morollo
Dwell Contributor
Michele Koh Morollo is a journalist who has been writing about design, lifestyle and travel for the last twenty years.

Published

Last Updated

Get the Pro Newsletter

What’s new in the design world? Stay up to date with our essential dispatches for design professionals.