Architecture. Aesthetics. Accessibility

Center District, Israel

Add To Collection

Architecture. Aesthetics. Accessibility

Center District, Israel

Firm

Sagit Haklay

Type

Residential › Private House Multi Unit Housing

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2020

SIZE

0 sqft - 1000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

Architecture. Aesthetics. Accessibility
Photography: Shay Epstein

The new home of Architect Sagit Haklay and her partner Zafrir is the epitome of exceptionally executed architecture that allows for maximum accessibility.

Architect Sagit Haklay, the owner of the ARCHABILITY architect firm, is considered a pioneer in developing and planning accessibility solutions for residential properties, without compromising their aesthetics. Haklay is closely acquainted with the importance of accessibility as her partner, Zafrir, was injured in a cycling accident that left him in a wheelchair 20 years ago.

The couple & their children moved to their home in the north of Tel-Aviv during the Corona crisis. The property, which is part of a duplex planned by Haklay, was built on 550 sqm land. The structure itself occupies 250 sqm and stretches across 3 floors, one of which is a lower ground level with an independent entrance.

“The house layout is sThe layout is clean and minimalist and is designed to serve the needs of all its residents pleasantly. Into this I incorporated accessibility layers to provide practical solutions for Zafrir” explains Haklay. “The aim was to create inclusive and harmonious spaces with maximized accessibility solutions that didn’t compromise the aesthetics of the property. In practice, these accessibility solutions enable Zafrir to move easily and freely around the house and between all the levels with the use of an elevator. The accessibility layers are evident across the entire property as well as the office, the garden, and other areas such as the shed that Zafrir uses regularly. A hidden ramp in the garden was also created to give him access to the outdoor jacuzzi.

The ground level was designed as an open space that includes the family’s main living area. One level up is the children’s level with a family room and two bedrooms that share a joint balcony. Sagit and Zafrir’s suite is located in the loft and includes a spacious and bright bedroom and en-suite bathroom as well as an intimate balcony. The couple’s home offices are located on the lower ground level, where a self-contained flat with an independent entrance was also built for the couple’s eldest daughter.

Haklay opted for natural materials and a neutral feel for the interiors. The ground-level was tiled with wheat-colored cement tiles, the floors on the upper levels were fitted with bamboo parquet and the surrounding accent walls have a raw concrete finish in a limestone color. Steel and metal elements are recurring motifs throughout the house and enhance the sense of flow and continuity from the indoors out.

Upon entry, an open, well-lit, and airy space is revealed with large windows offering a view of the blossoming garden. The open space includes the living room area as well as an island made of a weathering steel base and slate worktop, which doubles as a dining table.
“I chose not to create a traditional dining area to best utilize the open space and maintain a clean look” explains Haklay. “I chose a pull-out kitchen tap so that the worktop itself can remain clear and be easily used as a dining table. When planning the worktop, I made sure that there was open space underneath to allow access for Zafrir’s wheelchair. The sink is accessible as are the spice racks and the dried food jars that magnetically attach to a steel surface for easy use. A hydraulic shelf unit enables access to small electrical kitchen appliances and utensils.

A large wall unit, made of oak and black steel, runs along the entire length of the kitchen wall as well as the lounge. In the kitchen, it contains a fridge, a wine cooler, and a retractable shelf. In the lounge, it is home to the fireplace and the television set. The sofa in the lounge is made of modular units that can be put together or separated as needed.

The use of steel is noticeable also in the staircase which is a focal point in the house. The wall that runs along the staircase contains an impressive library and where the stairs meet the family space on the children’s level, rounded vertical metal beams create a banister that can be peered through.

The master bedroom located in the loft was meticulously planned to ensure the passageways were wide enough and all elements are at an accessible height, such as Zafrir’s wardrobe which is 1.5 m tall and was configured with easily accessible shelves. In the en-suite bathroom, Haklay planned a floating sink with a limestone countertop and a spacious walk-in shower with dedicated props.

The outdoor kitchen unit, which is adjacent to the indoor one, was also planned to perfection. The family regularly cooks and entertains in their garden and as such, accessibility was paramount here too. The kitchen unit was designed with sliding doors that allow for an accessible space under the countertop. Just like with the indoors kitchen, here too Haklay utilized the metal unit as a magnetic and accessible surface to which the various spices and dry food jars can attach.
“There are very clear regulations around accessibility planning within public and commercial spaces” Haklay emphasizes. “However, in a private residential project, accessibility planning is tailor-made to meet the specific requirements of all the property’s inhabitants. The spectrum of disabilities is wide and covers not only physical disabilities but also sensory, cognitive, emotional, and so on. Therefore, planning of the private residential spaces must be done on a project-by-project basis.
The home is a person’s safe space and as such the property should accommodate its inhabitants in the best possible way whilst providing maximum support, safety, comfort, and pleasure. This is especially so when its inhabitants require accessibility support due to an existing disability”.

Product Spec Sheet

Were your products used?

Join as a manufacturer to add your products.

Collaborating Firms

Was your firm involved? Add it now.

Team

Were you involved? Add yourself.

Keep Exploring Architizer by Creating a Free Account or Logging in.

Architecture. Aesthetics. Accessibility

Center District, Israel

Architecture. Aesthetics. Accessibility

Center District, Israel

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team