Yonatan Ephrat Architecture Studio have been shortlisted for Regeneration/ Restoration Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.

What started as a classic renovation of an old and neglected apartment in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem turned, unexpectedly, into an unfolding story – the integration of the past with the present, history with modernity – as, quite by accident, original architectural features dating back to the Ottoman Empire were discovered.

In the course of the construction, 500-year-old features such as stone walls, niches, and arches were revealed, restored and integrated into the design. The apartment which overlooks the Temple Mount also has a private open roof with breath-taking views of the Old City. These original architectural treasures as well as the spectacular Old City view dictated the minimalist and luxurious design of the apartment chosen by the architect.

Once these amazing elements were found the designer choose a more minimalistic design approach to not “fight” with the original stone and arches discovered and restored. This approach gave the stage to the original elements but at the same time gave a modern, warm touch and feel to the space. The harmony between the old and the new, each complimenting each other and not daring to interfere is what made the end result so fascinating, interesting and beautiful.

In a deeper philosophical way, this is the story of beloved Jerusalem. The old and the new, all the different religions, the holiness and the secular and so on. All living in harmony and together in the city today. Restoring ancient discovery’s and bringing them back to life for the world to see and enjoy is giving our respect to past and our respect to the amazing design they did 500 years ago and doing our best today to compliment it using out modern technology and design.

The Designer spent a very long time searching for the best and more experienced stone restorer in the whole country. It was at their highest priority to ensure that it was done right and at the highest level possible.

Yonatan Ephrat Architecture Studio

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