XS Studio for Compact Design

Men In Black

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

MANUFACTURERS
Tollman’s, Etz-Lenu

PHOTOGRAPHS
Amit Gosher

AREA
44.0 m2

YEAR
2018

LOCATION
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

CATEGORY
Apartment Interiors

Text description provided by architect.

Have you ever noticed that most small apartments seem to be white?

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

In this 44 sqm apartment, the choice of black veneer proves the strong effect a dark color has on a small space.

The apartment, located in a beautiful preserved building with high ceilings in the center of Tel Aviv was designed for a couple of successful career men and their dog.

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

The apartment is located in a building at the city center with preservation status. Architects: Dov Hershkowitz, 1931. Bar-Orian, 2017.

Despite the small floor area, the high ceiling of the apartment gives a sense of spaciousness.

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

As if the challenge of a 44-square-meter apartment for two tenants wasn't enough, about 12 square meters are non-movable shelter room walls.

Hence, it is important for the rest of the space to be as open as possible.

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

In order to avoid partitions, the functions are located on both sides of the main living space: the kitchen and sofa on one side and the dark cabinetry on the other.

At the far end of the space a wide glass window brings the urban landscape and light into the apartment.

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

A huge wooden cabinet covered with black veneer accompanies the public space.

The cabinet stores functions such as a liquor bar, audio system, air conditioning and more.

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

Books, collections, television and ornaments are displayed on the cabinet's shelves. On the entrance side, the cabinet makes room for "the Pole Dancer".

Height plays a significant role in the feeling of this space and its use. A ladder embedded in the kitchen Cabinet allows easy access to the high storage in the kitchen and cabinet on both sides.

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

"THE POLE DANCER"

The pivoting entrance piece was one of the initial lines sketched for the apartment.

 We searched for a lite element that would define the entrance and wouldn't block it. The piece gives a filtered initial look into the kitchen and directs the view through the living room to the outside.

The pole dancer is made of lite and airy materials (steel mesh, mirror, steel and very little dark veneer-covered wood) which almost completely conceals it.

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

Additionally, it spins on a pivot, creating a dynamic and lite feeling unlike the other furniture, which is heavy and fixed to the walls. Functionally.

One side of the dancer has a place for hanging coats, putting down the keys, newspapers and mail, and on its other side, a mirror. In such a small apartment every square-meter counts.

Since the tenants don't cook a lot, we created a minimal working surface in the kitchen. On the other hand, the tenants said that when hosting, they like to cook and be part of the conversation. 

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

The bathroom is in the common area near the entrance. In order to allow some natural light, we created a large circular window with frosted glass. The window complements the unique appearance of the rotating furniture. In order not to waste valuable kitchen space.

The washing machine and dryer were placed in the bathroom under the sink. The only bedroom in this small apartment is the Mamad (safe room), about 10 sqm. This was the only option to place a bedroom without compromising the quality of the common area of the apartment. 

So, when the tenants asked for a cozy bedroom with plenty of room to store clothes, the need for flexibility within this predefined space arose.

Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher
Men In Black
© Amit Gosher

This need created a piece of furniture that envelops the bed and goes on to another side to store clothes and other household items.


Men In Black
Axo 01
Men In Black
Axo 02
Men In Black
Axo 03


Men In Black
Elevation


Men In Black
The pole dancer
Men In Black
Floor plan

XS Studio for Compact Design
T +972 77 545 6012
XS Studio for Compact Design
Ben Avigdor St 26, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel