Details
Credits
From Naama Dagan
Set in one of the oldest villages of the Jezreel Valley in northern Israel, the Monolight House stands amid sweeping green fields framed by distant mountain ridges. Built alongside a family farm that’s been in place for generations, this home represents both a return to roots and a new chapter for the architect, who designed it for herself and her family after years spent living and working in the city.
A concrete path leads to the entryway, where a covered foyer opens into a light-filled corridor. This central passage anchors the home, guiding movement between public and private spaces while offering carefully framed views of the surrounding landscape through expansive windows. The interplay of natural light and shadow throughout the day adds a sense of rhythm to the experience, while a custom-built bench and bookshelf extend to the upper windows, creating a functional yet sculptural connection to the architecture.
Composed of three distinct volumes, the house’s tallest section—with its sloped concrete ceiling rising to 5 meters—contains the living room, kitchen, and entrance foyer. A second volume houses the children’s bedrooms and bathroom, while the third volume offers more intimate spaces, including an office with a separate entrance, a master suite, and a sitting area that opens onto a semi-enclosed courtyard. This courtyard, with its west-facing orientation, is perfect for taking in sunset views.
The house’s single concrete form blends modernist lines with the organic textures of natural materials, including a mineral wash plaster reminiscent of early 20th-century Israeli homes. Designed with family living in mind, the home balances open, shared spaces with more secluded areas, making it both functional and serene. Custom carpentry and furnishings, created by the architect, are seamlessly integrated into the structure, adding warmth and personality. At 160 square meters, the house is compact but thoughtfully designed, with outdoor seating areas and collected artworks giving the home a curated, timeless feel.