Between Land and Sky home | Joel Jospe

When I first saw the lot, the steep slope overlooking the Jerusalem neighborhood of Ein Karem, I wanted to do one thing only - to keep walking forward, hover in the air above the canyon, quietly observing the landscape visible in every direction. This was the primary motivation during planning. I did not give up this desire, or the opportunity inherent in it, and have given it to the owners.

Thanks to the breathtaking view before it, the house itself has been designed as a single level that drifts like a bird with its wings outstretched, with every room, every angle of the house poised to take in the panorama.

The master bedroom projects forward like an arm reaching ahead, providing it with the privacy of the independent unit. The steep slope (9-meter difference between the top and bottom entrance roads) provides the illusion that the house is floating, with exits to the garden from both sides. From there, pathways and stairs lead down to the lawn, swimming pool and tennis court.

Facing the main entrance is a long wooden "bridge", a path that thrusts frontward from the house, passing the pool area, and ending in a 5x5m² [RK1] seating area. This offers a place to enjoy a few moments alone, meditate or host friends while overlooking a fascinating 360 O view of the landscape. One glance takes in Ein Karem, Hadassah Ein Karem, Mary's Spring and the Olive House dam, the "Tuscan" green surrounding hills, then back to the family home, and down to the pool and tennis court – a remarkable sensory experience for the home owners.