Architect and designer Ron Shpigel
kitchen Semel
Designed by Ron Spiegel, this private home in the green neighborhood of Maccabim, near Jerusalem, is the result of a thoughtful year-long renovation that chose evolution over erasure. Set on an irregular 800-square-meter plot, the 350-square-meter house was purchased by a couple with two children seeking more space, greenery, and a deeper sense of quality living. Rather than demolishing the existing structure, Spiegel worked with its original footprint and split-level organization, transforming constraints into architectural opportunities. The result is a layered home with character and depth—one that could not have been conceived from scratch, precisely because it carries the memory of what once was.
The most significant move was redefining the home’s spatial hierarchy. The original low and enclosed living areas were relocated, and a new public zone—living room, dining area, and kitchen—was positioned at the rear of the house, where true height and a direct connection to the garden could be achieved. A dramatic entrance sequence now leads visitors along a stepped, illuminated path toward an almost seven-meter-high front door, preparing them for the expansive interior beyond. Inside, a soaring living space unfolds, with sloped wooden beams, exposed systems, and large openings fitted with Marvin Windows and Doors, allowing natural light and greenery to flood the home from every direction. A travertine-clad media wall integrates a fireplace by Ortal Fireplaces, subtly separating the entrance from the living area without enclosing it.
At the heart of the house sits the kitchen, designed in collaboration with Semel Kitchens, and tailored precisely to the family’s lifestyle. Positioned within the new public core, the kitchen benefits from generous ceiling height and direct access to the garden. Behind its refined façade of tall cabinetry lies a fully equipped walk-in pantry, while a dedicated coffee station—reflecting the homeowner’s passion—was meticulously planned down to the smallest ritual detail. Throughout the house, natural materials define the atmosphere: bleached wood ceilings and window frames reveal their grain, lightly smoked oak flooring grounds the spaces, and a palette of sand, coffee, and off-white tones creates warmth without heaviness. Outdoors, the language continues seamlessly with a triangular backyard centered around a covered swimming pool, outdoor lounge areas, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen clad in natural travertine. Together, interior and exterior form a cohesive whole—an authentic family home that respects its past, embraces its landscape, and offers a calm, contemporary way of living