Calling Major Tom: What’s the connection between David Bowie and a Tel Aviv apartment?

• Design and Architecture: Halel Architecture
• Lead Designer: Adi Shani
• Apartment: 160 sqm with a 15 sqm balcony
• Family: Couple with three teenagers
• Photography: Maor Moyal

The family had rented in Tel Aviv for years while searching for a home to buy. Over a long period, Halel Architecture worked with them, touring and evaluating potential apartments that suited their family’s needs. Finally, they chose a high-floor apartment in a luxury project in a northern Tel Aviv neighborhood. Renovations began only after they received the keys, as the developer required, which presented challenges Halel Architecture had to overcome to adapt the apartment for the family of five.

The couple requested a spacious public area, with one unique feature—a DJ station in the living room. The husband, an avid music lover, insisted on having a DJ booth this time, and so it was. Upon entering the home, there’s a custom wood-paneled wall that extends along the length of the room. This wall conceals various cabinets, including one for the washer and dryer, electrical and communication systems, and a door to the teenager’s room.

The kitchen was designed with two parallel strips and an additional hidden niche for extra workspace. One strip is an island with a sink, stovetop, and bar seating, with storage incorporated. The range hood is a significant design element that harmonizes with the lighting fixtures, continuing the apartment’s black urban aesthetic. The dining area, a curved space, was created by giving up a guest bathroom and utility room that were originally at the apartment entrance. Given the owner’s admiration for the legendary David Bowie, Halel Architecture collaborated with artist Irit Hayon to create a printed artwork of Bowie that incorporates personal motifs and vibrant, bold colors.

As for the living room, it includes the requested DJ station, crafted with an iron element to accommodate the setup. A plush blue L-shaped sofa with a chaise lounge was chosen for the room.

The custom-built TV library opposite the sofa blurs the hallway that was once visible from the living area. It integrates an Ortal fireplace, a flat screen, and concealed DJ sound systems, along with ample space for books and decorative accessories. The library features wooden slats that connect visually with the entry wall’s cladding.

The daughters’ bedrooms are identical, each with a built-in study area that’s part of the custom cabinetry, providing ample storage.

The parents’ suite exudes boutique hotel vibes, with a mirrored wardrobe stretching across the wall, concealing a television that appears only when in use. A vanity table sits against a slatted wall in a smoky greenish tone, adding vibrancy to the room. A half-circle mirror, detached from the wall cladding, has concealed lighting for added functionality. The master bathroom has a modern look with smoky brown tones.

The secure room (mamad) is integrated into the master suite as a multipurpose space. A custom-built unit in an L shape was designed to account for the room’s safety features, providing ample storage with transparent cabinets, lighting, a workstation, and a fold-out single bed.

The balcony features a seating area with an Ortal fire table, which adds warmth and ambiance as the Tel Aviv skyline surrounds the view from all sides.