“The Jerusalem duplex, located in the prestigious Rehavia neighborhood, is primarily intended for overseas buyers — Jewish families making Aliyah and envisioning the capital as their future home,” explain architect Shira Moskal and interior designer Hadas Roth from HALEL ARCHITECTURE.
They add: “Our collaboration was with the developer, who sought to enhance and sell the property. The main challenge was to design a luxury residence without knowing who would eventually live in it — what their lifestyle, needs, or aesthetic preferences might be.”
Although Jerusalem is not their usual arena — their work is typically centered in the Sharon and central regions of Israel — they decided to take on the opportunity. During a vacation in the city, Moskal met the developer and immediately recognized the potential: a hidden gem that could be transformed into a truly exceptional home.
Architectural Concept and Planning
Moskal describes: “The project is a duplex apartment in a boutique building in Rehavia, spanning two private floors with four exposures and breathtaking panoramic views of Jerusalem. From a planning perspective, the apartment initially lacked functional flow and spatial coherence. Our task was to reimagine it for a Jewish-American clientele who often view Jerusalem as their ultimate home base.”
Roth adds: “There’s something fascinating about designing for an unknown client. The freedom to define the materials, color palette, furniture, and conceptual direction is liberating — yet it also carries risk. Without a specific client to consult, the developer entrusted us completely with creative control.”
Even though the future owners were unknown, the design was deliberately tailored to appeal to a traditional American family seeking premium quality, fine craftsmanship, and luxurious comfort.
Design Language and Materiality
HALEL ARCHITECTURE envisioned a duplex that could serve both as a primary residence and a luxurious holiday home, with multiple suites and expansive shared spaces suited for large families.
The design draws inspiration from Jerusalem’s character, blending traditional textures with modern lines — such as rough stone-like plaster finishes, arched carpentry details, and contemporary materials.
Each floor conveys a distinct atmosphere:
The upper floor celebrates Jerusalem, with 360° city views and a timeless palette of stone hues, black, and gold. The walls are finished in textured plaster in natural stone tones, creating a refined, serene environment.
The lower floor is lighter and more playful, centered around a cozy family lounge and kitchenette flanked by several suites. It features American walnut herringbone parquet flooring, and each suite introduces its own unique color scheme.
A sculptural staircase of iron and wood replaces the original one, becoming a central architectural statement. Its unique placement in the heart of the home allows natural light to circulate freely, creating openness and a strong visual connection between the two floors. The railing itself transforms into a decorative iron library, merging art, architecture, and functionality.
Bathrooms and Finishes
For the American clientele, the bathrooms were designed in a classic yet minimalist style, with floor-to-ceiling porcelain tiles that emulate natural stone. The detailing remains subtle and refined — understated luxury with enduring appeal.