Attention to Detail: The Secret Behind This Wonderful Home
In the new home designed by Sara and Nirit Frenkel for a family of five in the Sharon region in Israel, meticulous attention to every detail is evident. The precise balance between textures and materials is reflected in every corner, along with unique elements that create a unified and distinct living space—both inside and out.
Welcome to the new home of a couple in their 50s and their three teenage children, located in a serene and sought-after neighborhood in Israel’s Sharon area - a picturesque region located along the central coastal plain, known for its lush greenery, citrus groves, and upscale residential neighborhoods
The home spans three identical floors, occupying a large lot subdivided into smaller plots with challenging topography. To overcome these design challenges and tailor the house to the family’s exact needs, the couple engaged Sara and Nirit Frenkel, owners of Frenkel Architecture and Design, specializing in luxury homes and estates. Nirit reflects on the choices made and the journey to achieving the final result.
Adapting to Challenging Terrain
"The plot has significant elevation differences relative to its size," explains Frenkel. "We designed three interlocking floors in near-perfect symmetry, which enabled a large garden and swimming pool—key elements for a family that loves to entertain outdoors. The home’s exterior reflects a modern, clean-lined facade, balanced by warm, homey interiors. Materials familiar from our previous projects were used innovatively here. For instance, the entrance gates are made of solid steel plates with slit-configured handles. Steel is a prominent material throughout, both inside and out, while the ground-floor facade is clad with elongated, gray bricks arranged in horizontal stripes for a clean, three-dimensional texture."
Dark elements further enhance the sleek exterior. A blackened roof edge and gray wooden shutters—typically color-matched to the building—were given more dramatic interpretations here.
A Seamless Entry Experience
Due to the terrain, entry is from the basement level, with 12 wide steps leading to the main floor. Along the way, visitors pass terraced English-style gardens integrated into the landscaping, featuring Mediterranean plants and herbs. Narrow dimensions dictated custom storage solutions, including floor-to-ceiling iron cabinets resembling lockers, a motif echoed inside.
Upon entering, the design divides into two primary areas:
• To the right, a spacious kitchen, pantry, and guest bathroom.
• To the left, the living room and dining area.
Facing the door, a sculptural staircase becomes a dominant architectural feature. Natural, seamless materials—like resin floors, stone slabs, oak woodwork, brass, and Belgian steel—define the open, airy ambiance. Earthy tones of white, gray, and graphite dominate, with travertine stone accents adding warmth.
Living and Dining Areas
Adjacent to the kitchen, a large pantry doubles as a wine storage area, accessed via a locker-inspired door. The living room and dining space boast dual exposures:
• Large bay windows display curated art collected by the family.
• A grand glass exit opens to the garden and pool.
The dining table is solid oak, paired with woven leather-seated chairs. The living area centers around a white iron bookcase housing the TV and art. The seating includes a plush U-shaped sofa, leather-and-metal armchairs, and travertine coffee tables, all resting on a tightly woven rope rug.
The outdoor space features a large pool, a lounge, dining area, and outdoor kitchen—all designed for hosting. The pool is positioned along the lot's edge to maximize covered seating space. Lush greenery surrounds the area, creating a serene view.
A Sculptural Staircase and Private Spaces
The floating steel staircase leads to both the basement—housing guest rooms, a “man cave,” and a home office—and the upper-level bedrooms. The minimalist design uses terrazzo steps and glass railings to maintain an airy feel, while CNC-cut steel screens offer safety without compromising light and shadow play.
Upper-Level Bedrooms
The upper floor splits into two wings:
• Above the kitchen, the eldest son’s suite, two daughters’ shared bathroom, and a laundry room.
• Above the living room, the master suite for the parents.
The bedrooms feature warm materials like terrazzo, wood flooring, and textured wallpapers. Custom elements reflect each child’s personality, incorporating bay window seats and delicate color accents alongside natural finishes like cane and wood.
The master suite includes four zones—sleeping, bathing, storage, and a workspace. The layout maximizes privacy by placing the office and wardrobe near the entrance, while the sleeping and bathing areas remain secluded. A double Belgian door opens to the dramatic bathroom, with dark tones, oak cabinetry, and thick black stone countertops. The bedroom’s calming palette of beige and terracotta fosters a tranquil retreat.