House on a Cliff | Tal Goldsmith Fish design studio

Perched on a cliff above the Mediterranean Sea, the breathtaking view from this house is one of sandy dunes, thistles, water, and sky.

A raw, virgin landscape surrounds the house, peeking through its windows as though wishing to come inside.

Both we and our clients understood that the design should enhance the raw and untouched, and so we chose to use minimally processed materials and a natural finish: concrete, stone, and brass. Non-assuming—even masculine—materials that would age gracefully in their proximity to the salty sea air.

The central element in the space—the heart of the home, connecting between the various living areas—is a 12-meter-long library created from inlaid brass sheets embedded into vertical pillars of concave stone blocks. We designed a special brass air conditioning grate to sit above the stone slabs, meant to complement the pillars in a subtle manner—so as to speak the same language without attracting attention.

The library is enclosed on either side by a set of brass-framed pivot doors with decorative glass panels.

The library space includes several sitting areas, complete with Alto armchairs—Paimio #41 and Tank #400, both 1930s originals.

Beyond the set of pivot doors is an additional resting area overlooking the sea. Minimally furnished, with only a Porro chaise lounge, this space is intended for leisure and relaxation. It extends into the master suite—also with a view of the sea—which includes a walk-in closet and full-bath. This whole area is set to the back of the library. On the other side of the library, beyond the second set of pivot doors, are the children’s bedrooms and guest rooms.

The living room, kitchen, and family room are to the front of the library—all spacious, with a view of the sea.

The kitchen, made entirely of stainless steel, includes two freestanding islands: one, set parallel to the kitchen’s tall cabinets, is intended as a workspace; the other, situated perpendicular to the first and facing the sea, is intended as an island for sitting and casual dining. 

Surrounding the communal space is a wall of concave pillars, constructed from layers of MDF and painted with resin—a nod to the library.

The house’s color scheme is neutral, each hue and material carefully chosen after being tested at different times of day, taking into account the powerful impact of sun and sand on the color of the materials.

The house is filled with spirit and soul, thanks to the homeowners’ love of art and antiques, close attention to detail, and deliberate furniture selection.