What makes this 47 sqm Tel Aviv apartment so remarkable to win a prestigious award?

The FRAME Awards, held annually since 1917, have become a benchmark in architecture and interior design, setting standards for innovation, creativity, sustainability, and functionality. Competing projects are evaluated on these criteria to establish new design standards across key categories, reflecting the diversity of interior and spatial design. These categories include retail, hospitality, workspaces, residential, public institutions (such as libraries, museums, and educational buildings), and event spaces (including exhibitions and fairs designed to inspire and engage).

In the Living category, Baranowitz + Kronenberg stood out with their unique residential design—a one-bedroom apartment covering 47 square meters in the vibrant Levontin neighborhood of Tel Aviv. This compact space embodies creativity and resourcefulness, maximizing every square centimeter with smart, efficient design solutions that bested many international projects.

Located within an iconic Art Deco building, the apartment underwent a complete architectural transformation. It was designed as a seamless extension of a workspace integrated into the home. Using a unified palette of Douglas fir wood, the design evokes warmth and creates a refuge from the bustling city outside. This biophilic, natural aesthetic fosters a sense of connection to nature, with bright wood tones and natural textures radiating calming yet energizing vibes, providing a refined backdrop for art and furnishings.

In conceptual development, the studio researched cave-inspired designs, creating a space characterized by continuity, unrestricted materials, and moments of discovery. The apartment layout unfolds in an "L" shape, with each area flowing harmoniously into the next, achieving a unified identity. This project reflects the firm’s commitment to innovation and its ability to craft spaces that challenge conventional norms in residential design.

This project highlights an impressive use of space with unique solutions that bring life to every corner of the apartment, serving functional purposes while inspiring creativity. It’s rare for a space to serve as a blank canvas that invites such a distinctive and innovative approach.