The basics: The studio was founded in 2017 by Raz Melamed and has three additional employees – Reut Nachmias Saban, Anat Pinchas and Shaked Cohen.

They specialize in residential planning and design, and their portfolio includes modern-style private homes and apartments. The projects are characterized by clean lines, rich materials, and meticulous details, and are spiced with a zest for life and a touch of humor.

Welcome to: A house we planned and designed in the village of Shmaryahu for a couple in their 60s, who host their children and grandchildren on weekends.

At the beginning of the joint work, the clients requested a central courtyard for entertaining all year round, from which all parts of the house could be seen. Accordingly, Raz created a design in which the patio is at the center, both structurally and conceptually. The house actually frames the patio, and three large glass facades connect it to the interior spaces. The pool is located in front of it and above it is a roof of wooden strips combined with lighting.

The spaces of the house and the facades were designed around the patio as “drawers that open at different depths in three directions, and accordingly reveal and hide those next to them,” explains the architect. Guiding principles for Raz, such as bringing in maximum natural light and opening up the spaces as much as possible, are expressed in the house in various architectural details. Look, for example, at the disconnections between the walls and the ceiling, which were made possible thanks to an upper roof, from which the ceilings were suspended at varying heights without the need for columns. Thanks to the disconnections, open and spacious spaces were created, and they also flood the interior spaces with natural light and create an interesting play of heights.

On the drawing table: “We are working on several projects, including private homes on generous, spacious lots and unique apartments.” We recommend that you visit the firm’s Instagram page, where the team shares detailed explanations of the planning and construction processes.

Photography: Amit Giron | Planning: Architect Raz Melamed | Office staff: Reut Nachmias Saban and Anat Pismanik | Project management: Gal Shaham | Photo styling: Architect Omer Danan