Living by the sea: How to do It right?

Living by the sea or nearby is a dream for many. However, due to limited available land along Israel's 196-kilometer coastline (about 50 km are restricted for ports, power stations, infrastructure, and security), this dream is increasingly out of reach for Israelis. The supply is limited, and property prices in these sought-after areas are skyrocketing.

Developers and planners of coastal residential projects face many challenges that require innovative and creative thinking: how to connect the project to its location, dealing with the topography and environmental conditions, and addressing various other parameters that influence the project's design, such as open spaces, views, urbanism, and aesthetics.

Several architects currently designing coastal projects shared insights into the planning and design process of new projects along the coastline. Here are some interesting examples:

Rishon LeZion: Protea by the Sea by Shponder Company

Inspired by the nearby sea, Shanav designed the project to resemble two ships docking at sea. Each building features soft, round, white beams reminiscent of waves and sea foam. The apartments are spacious, each with a private balcony overlooking the sea. The project includes a rooftop terrace for residents, suitable for events and gatherings. Numerous public areas, such as a lobby, hobby rooms, clinic services, a restaurant, a covered and heated pool, a gym, and a large exercise room with natural light and stunning sea views, enhance residents' comfort.

"Protea by the Sea" is located along the renewing Rishon LeZion promenade. The promenade features shops, cafes, and restaurants, attracting young people and families to enjoy its bustling activities.

Architect Danit Shanav, an expert in senior housing, from Canaan-Shanav Architects, notes, "The project was designed with a corrosion consultant to choose durable materials suitable for the seaside environment. Wind considerations were also addressed, with high-quality aluminum windows, shading, and resilient vegetation. The project offers residents quality living, peace, security, and vibrant community, sports, culture, and leisure activities alongside the bustling promenade and the beach."

Ashdod: Palm Towers Project by Nachmias Group

Architect Walter Shainkman explains, "To utilize the terrain and create a sense of space, there is a 29-meter gap between the buildings, arranged in a stepped layout. The first building is 18 meters above sea level, with each subsequent one rising by 3 meters, ensuring residents enjoy a 360-degree view. The layout facilitates air flow. The adjacent promenade extends to the sea and is open to the public, but we created level separation between the towers and the promenade for privacy. Access to the sea is simple from each building, integrating the sea into daily life. We used durable materials suited to the marine environment, ensuring the towers' appearance remains intact over the years. The prominent natural element is the sea, giving residents a sense of living in nature. We used high-end natural finishes to maintain the building's quality over time."

Ashkelon: Briza Tower by Efgad

Architect Giora Shafir, from 'Giora Shafir Architects,' on the 'Briza' project by 'Efgad' in Ashkelon, explains, "In coastal towers, developers often want as many living rooms as possible facing the sea, sometimes emphasizing the rear apartments to ensure they also have a sea view. This often leaves the rear (eastern) facade with a broad frontage facing the city, which can appear quite dull.

One of the most important decisions we made in designing Briza Tower, with the help of preliminary drone checks, was to position the building in a north-south orientation for the living rooms. This way, all four apartments per floor face the sea at unique and interesting angles. This approach provides an elegant and not overly broad structure, interesting from all directions, including towards the city.

Building design: We chose to design the tower with light walls and significant concrete frames around the sea-facing living rooms. These frames give the tower a plastic quality and added value to the apartments with large, non-standard balconies. This design emphasizes the valuable view as one would frame a valuable painting. Led by architect Orly Zaguri-Biton, we sought unique expressions in building design. The result: a plastic tower with random groups of exceptionally large balconies that protrude from the building, creating an intriguing and interesting facade."

Netanya: Hofim West by Azorim

Architectural firm Kika Braz explains, "The project design emphasized the building's placement. The tower's T-plan maximizes sea views, with an original, updated, and elegant architectural line. Thanks to the unique design, all apartments face the sea, allowing residents to maximize the living experience with an open view. The building features a clean look, combining horizontal and vertical elements, clad in stone and aluminum that highlight the unique elements."

Tel Aviv: Mark Project by Guy and Doron Levy

The project's architects, led by Erez Zilberberg, Elinor Shpiegel Aviv, and Yarden Golani, stated, "In planning the Mark Chagall project, we created an urban microcosm combining all the advantages of living in northern Tel Aviv. The architecture reflects the duality of the location - modern and elegant design with public spaces facing west and large openings, corresponding with proximity to the sea and nature. The building's lobby is designed as an internal space, providing an intimate and quiet entry, offering a luxurious living experience and maximum comfort. The strategic location, within walking distance from the beach and major transport routes, allows residents to enjoy everything the city offers while maintaining privacy and tranquility at home."