Fuller House

This 500 sqm property is located on a 2.5-acre estate in a village in central Israel and is surrounded by an additional five acres of farmland. This L-shaped one-story house took two years to complete and is divided into three sections. The central section includes the communal family spaces and branches out into two additional separate annexes: one containing the parents master-suite and the other, an annex composed of three independently accessed living units for each of the three children.

The property’s L-shaped design visually defines the central outdoor space that can be seen from all areas of the property. The outdoor space includes a garden, a swimming pool, a pool house, and a pathway that leads to an orchard.

The family wanted to create a home that would allow them to continue living together now that the children have grown, and their needs have changed. And thus, instead of the children moving out into apartments of their own, a home was created that would cater for family life after the age of 20, without compromising privacy or independence.

The property is built on an elongated estate that stretches from the main road on its south side through to farmlands on its north side, with neighboring farms located to its east and west. The entrance to the property is emphasized by an Aspen tree path that leads up to an elegant and slightly elevated entrance. Two sets of stairs, with ornamental pools on either side, lead to an impressive main entrance in shades of rust that blend beautifully with the natural stone facade chosen by Arch. Rozen.

The entrance leads us straight into the main living space that was fitted throughout with smooth cloudy cement floors and wooden ceilings that give the space a light and airy feel. Upon entry, the gaze automatically shifts towards the view of the garden, swimming pool, and beyond to the north where a poplar tree path leads to distant fields.
The dining area is the central point of the property, the junction from which all the property annexes can be seen. It is fitted with a carpentry unit, a table made of a solid wood panel plate with solid metal legs, and round lamp shades lined in gold leaf that give the illusion of light, even when switched off.
The family area, which includes the kitchen and a casual dining table, is located to the right of the entrance hall. It is used by the family daily and overlooks the breathtaking view through a large bay window. A wooden paneled breakfast bar, similar to the dining table, was fitted between the kitchen island and the family corner, visually defining the spaces whilst allowing for better interaction between the family members when they share the space together.
The kitchen island worktop is made of granite porcelain and the doors and facades have a glass finish. Silver aluminum doors combined with walnut wood warm up the kitchen space and are also incorporated into elements such as light fixtures as well as the kitchen niche that conceals a fridge, storage, a coffee corner, etc.
A luxurious 4x4 L-shaped couch, big enough for the entire family to sit on, was positioned in the center of the adjacent family corner. The corner also includes a large screen and a black and natural oak storage unit that contains a wine bar. A utility area is located next to the kitchen and family corner, which also provides access to a garage. Stone cladding, similar to that used for the exterior, was used for the double-sided fireplace that was fitted to the left of the entrance hall and acts as a partition between the dining area and the lounge. The lounge is the main guest entertaining area and includes an elegant dark leather sofa set, a leather coffee table and an oriental rug in shades of red.
A corridor leads to the parents' annex, which overlooks the north side of the garden and enjoys breathtaking sunsets and a western breeze.
The children’s annex consists of three spacious units, each with their own private entrance, for optimal privacy. Each includes a lounge, a home office, and a bathroom as well as the option to create an additional small room should the need arise. The main openings of all three suites overlook the garden and pool that are dotted with shaded areas allowing for family socializing in the heart of the estate. Additional facilities grace the property such as an outdoor kitchen, external dining area, outdoor lounging area and a stand-alone office.

Owners: A couple in their 50s and their three grown children
Plot: 2.5 acres
Property: 500 sqm
Photo by Oded Smadar

Architecture, planning & design: Architect Ron Rozen, “Linenberg Rozen Architects”