A restored penthouse overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

The Jaffa Roofhouse, a project by Gitai Architects inspired by the buildings and nature of Jaffa, Israel.

Jaffa is located in the urban area of Tel Aviv, Israel, and according to Semitic tradition was built by Japheth, son of Noah. It is considered one of the oldest port cities in the world and is the site chosen by Gitai Architects to give new life to The Jaffa Roofhouse, a renovation project involving a 270 sqm property overlooking the port. With the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the famous Al Bahr Mosque on the other, the penthouse becomes an integral part of the landscape around it.

The colours are the light ones of the city's buildings and nature, and most of the materials used come from the surrounding land. The curved walls, which replace the existing structure and outline the perimeter of the home, are made of a natural material obtained from straw and pressed earth. This material allows airflow inside the walls and regulates the room’s humidity and temperature. Light also plays a fundamental role within the walls of the Jaffa Roofhouse, reflecting between the various hand-carved and shaped modules, illuminating the walls with different shades that vary according to the time of day.

The space is divided into living and sleeping areas, with the living room opening onto the terrace, equipped with a shower and toilet, and the bedrooms connected to a walk-in wardrobe and bathrooms, also connected to the outdoor space. The doors pick up the connection with the surroundings, creating plays of light and shadow.

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