Oasis in an Urban Jungle

An island of serenity was formed within the urban reality on a 260 sqm lot. The vision in this project was defined by the client: Asian-inspired design, a house that feels like a resort, a true, grand vacation.

The building is characterized by multiple exits to various areas with their own individual needs, like the multiple balconies, the kitchen balcony, living room, gym and children's rooms. The challenge was to create a harmonious garden that caters simultaneously to various needs - The different perspectives to the outside from within the house are just as significant as the creation of intimacy and concealment from neighbors, all while keeping the architectural creation intact and visible.

How do you embrace the house's facade while still utilizing the existing view surrounding it?

Meeting different people compels you to have a clear understanding of both the visible and less visible needs. Comprehending the needs of the client is the milestone of any successful project.

The great challenge is to create the sense of a vacation in the middle of Tel Aviv, creating a green oasis in an urban environment. Throughout the project, from the initial plans to the final styling, the guiding principle was to create the experience of a grand vacation for a tightly knit family. We designed the garden so that it feels big despite the smaller lot, a garden with presence. Leaves needed to be big and bold, the materials needed to reflect might – Bamboo, Granite and Pebbles. 

The entrance to the house is on the street level – A combination of a parking space and stairs leading up to the house.

The vision was to combine as many plants as possible in the living room, located on the main garden level that enjoys a swimming pool and seating areas.

On the garden level, we are welcomed by a balcony overlooking the garden that's a meter lower.

The differences in the topography of the lot allowed us to create little nooks looking into the lower garden, like an invitation to stroll up and down in an isolated wild natural oasis. 

Each level was designed to overlook the lower water island from a different angle. The lights and shadows were planned to meet the overlooking eye, adding to the surprising experience.

Combined, these elements created the sense of a strong connection between the landscape and architecture.

On my initial trip to the gym area that's due to be built in the future, I was greeted with the "great" view of boilers and the roofs of Tel Aviv, as my face burned by the hot sun. This lovely view might suit some people - however, it doesn't suit those dreaming of an Asian-inspired vacation home.

To match the view to the vision, the floor was covered with white pebbles that cooled the air and planters in various heights. Each planter had a defined role – Hiding a boiler, a neighbor's roof, a window or just cooling and shading the space. Combined, they created an intimate scene, with the view of the buildings just peeking through.

The UV resistant plants were selected to create a contrasting color scheme strictly with leaves that will survive the climate conditions on the roof. The leaves are durable to harsh weather and do not require intensive care.

The gym experience turned, thanks to the view, into an exciting one, simulating a visit to nature. The changing colors, the dominant leaf texture, the play of light and shade created by the plants, all together created the grand vacation feel that we were after.

The additional balcony had a different characterization: This balcony was not paved – By creating a big planter and planting in it, a sort of curtain was created to shade and conceal the area.

Coming from the peripheral walls of the garden, rails covered in metal planters full of plants create a separation from the neighbors, depth and color at the edges of the garden, all without diminishing the size of the lot.

The ability to listen to your client and their dreams is magical and still surprises me with every new project. At the end of the project, I was left with the memory of an experience of collaboration and creation, and another garden to visit and rest in on a day off.

Studio: Mor Avidan Landscape Architecture
Photography: Shai Gil