The Zen Penthouse by Ruth Arad | Ruth Arad

This minimalist Zen Penthouse was designed as a duplex luxury apartment on the upper floors of the historic Old Customs House in Jaffa to provide its entrepreneurial owner the pared-down, calm and uncluttered Zen ambience he desired while making the most of the Mediterranean view and the sea breeze.

The apartment extends over two floors, with the open plan upper floor spanning more than     140 sqm including extensive terrace spaces and ponds intended to be stocked with that most Japanese of motifs – goldfish, while the lower floor houses three bedrooms and bathrooms with an 80 sqm footprint.

At the end of the day, the Zen Penthouse is not about size – it’s all about a calm and soothing Zen atmosphere, expressed in every detail from the light and open spaces, the almost endless visual line, natural materials and soft and fluid fixtures, calming color palette, and soft textures and furnishings.

Light and space abound and can be controlled by sliding doors, soft blinds and textile drapes. Japanese-style Tatami mats set the stage for the low dining table and floor cushions;  built-in storage and fittings are all completely hidden or low-set, and Japanese style is followed through in the low sofas and armchairs in the living room, ideal for relaxation and contemplation. Everything that can be integrated is hidden from sight, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms, which are the epitome of tranquillity. Nothing blocks the visual line and flow – the rooms dissolve into each other and are completely fluid. Storage is key if calm and a Zen-like ambience are to be maintained and here the Zen Penthouse excels – even the most essential kitchen appliances and fixtures are barely visible. The sense of space is further enhanced by the subdued colour palette – whites, creams, beiges and the lightest shades of brown and grey, broken only by a few solid black elements which delineate the kitchen and the wood-burning kamine fireplace. Huge expanses of glass, the palest of natural woods and grey concrete complete the palette of materials – all are unembellished and contribute to the Zen-like mood.

Nature is present throughout – from the living room to the bathroom and through to the lilies and bonsai shrubbery on and around the goldfish ponds surrounding defined seating areas on the patio for relaxation and meditation. Greenery makes a statement indoors too via bamboo plants, mossy plantings and pebble borders. In true Japanese style, the bathroom is a place of rest and rejuvenation with clean and simple lines – a square bathtub in which to soak away the tensions of the day, simple benches and a delicate countertop surround to the sink all contribute to the smooth and calming effect.

The Zen Penthouse is a home that might well have landed from another culture, another continent and another era – it is a far cry from the noise and bustle of a city well-known for its round-the-clock buzz.