Maximizing Space in the Heart of Haifa: A Subversive 27sqm Apartment Transformation | Hilit Karsh

The challenge presented was the transformation of a tiny, 27 square meter apartment with a ceiling height of 4.5 meters but devoid of natural light. The objective was to execute smart and efficient planning to maximize the limited space, crafting a flexible, modern, and comfortable living environment that harmoniously integrates functionality with style. This meant not only making the most of the compact area but also paying homage to the location's history, ensuring the interior design seamlessly blends with the exterior surroundings.

About the project: This project involved the ingenious design of a small yet relatively tall apartment, utilizing its height to overcome the lack of natural light and spatial constraints. By constructing a mezzanine bedroom suite above the bathroom and kitchenette, which occupies 12.5 square meters of the total area, it effectively leveraged the vertical space, leaving the rest as a conversion space at the existing height. This strategic design allowed for the inclusion of essential living areas such as a kitchenette, bathroom, dressing area, and a luxurious bedroom, transforming the apartment into a multifunctional living space.

To respect the value and narrative of the location while merging the interior with the exterior and bridging past with present, a subversive design was conceived. It ties into the contemporary scene of Haifa's lower city—a historically commercial area undergoing rejuvenation with the influx of artists, students, and the conversion of commercial spaces into cultural hubs. The building, constructed in 1947 under the British Mandate, represents a piece of Haifa's history, now revitalized as part of the city's new strategy to foster cultural and educational development.

The design employs a sophisticated mix of contemporary materials that reflect the urban, youthful vibe of the evolving neighborhood. For instance, the choice of black and white patterned flooring from Negev Ceramics echoes mid-20th-century aesthetics yet offers a modern twist, differentiating from traditional retro styles found in the Israeli market. The inclusion of edited historical photographs of Haifa from the Mandate period in the living room and kitchen areas further strengthens the connection between the apartment's design and its historical context.

To meet the project's budget constraints and the developer's vision of creating a short-term rental for artists seeking inspiration from the city, cost-effective and industrially textured materials were selected. Corrugated tin, used to clad two of the walls, adds a raw, industrial feel to the space, enhanced by the horizontal placement to expand the perception of space. The mezzanine structure, constructed from white-painted iron beams with tin and cement board panels, along with the jacuzzi's black ceramic finish, integrate affordability with aesthetic appeal. The thoughtful selection of textiles and accessories injects softness and warmth into the living environment, culminating in a space that not only meets functional needs but also serves as a source of inspiration and connection to Haifa's rich history.