Architectural planning from the heart – a Mediterranean-style private house project
We met with planner Liran Ben Ivgi from Lev Architecture for a fascinating conversation about the special architectural design of a Mediterranean-style private house on the sea in Herzliya.
Tell us a little about the project
The house was built for a senior couple, with adult children who do not live at home. The house was really designed in a way that would suit their lifestyle, with their occupations, their limitations and their desires. For example, we designed an elevator, two guest rooms for children who would come to visit, and all the equipment that an elderly couple would need.
What is the unique architectural design of the project?
The house is close to the sea, and it was very important to the clients that every floor would have a view of the sea. We designed a Mediterranean house with a modern rural architectural design, which would blend in with the shades of the sea. All the main functions in the house face the sea – the kitchen, the master bedroom, the study, including sitting areas and a balcony from the kitchen overlooking the sea.
What exactly is Mediterranean design?
A design that focuses on life by the sea, and is reminiscent of the villages in Europe by the sea, in Greece and southern Spain, the goal was to give a Mediterranean feel, for example using blue and white colors.
How is it different from rustic design?
The difference is in the details and materials. A Mediterranean house is cleaner and less overloaded with details and materials. The colors are clean and give a feeling of the sea and the house is designed with fewer elements such as bricks and cornices.
The materials by the sea need to be resistant to moisture and heat, so it is not recommended to use wood and iron, but more durable materials.
What was challenging about the project?
The house was built on a long, narrow lot. The main difficulty was to accommodate all the required functions, without living in a sense of narrowness. With the help of creative architectural planning, we were able to meet the challenge.
Can you elaborate a little on the process of working with you?
Certainly. As soon as a client contacts me and we start working together, we go through an initial program process together – their dreams, their desires, their vision and all their requirements for the house. After that, I present them with planning sketches, and together we choose the right direction for the client. In the final stage of planning, I present external renderings of the house, the lot, etc. When the client approves the planning, we begin the process of submitting the plans to the authorities and receiving the permits. After the plans are reviewed and approved in principle by the committee, we begin working together with the client on work plans. When the work plans are ready, the process of interior design, selection of materials, etc. can be started with the client. After that, I propose all the specifications, flooring layouts, carpentry and everything related to the interior design and interior planning of the house.
In fact, at the same time as the process of receiving the permits, are all the design decisions already made with the client?
Definitely, I try to ensure that by the end of the permit receiving process, the entire set of work plans and interior design, including the selection of materials, are completed. So, as soon as you receive the building permit, you can immediately begin the construction process. Once you choose all the things in the approval stages, you have the opportunity to build smoothly and quickly, without problems and conflicts that can delay construction and lead to unnecessary expenses.
Was the process on the project different from other projects?
In terms of the process, there is no difference, the professional process is similar in all projects. The difference is in the architectural design. Each project is completely unique in terms of design and architectural design, everything is tailored to the client's wishes and dreams, and we use all the professional knowledge and creativity so that the client builds the house of his dreams.
Thank you very much Liran, it was fascinating!
Tell us a little about the project
The house was built for a senior couple, with adult children who do not live at home. The house was really designed in a way that would suit their lifestyle, with their occupations, their limitations and their desires. For example, we designed an elevator, two guest rooms for children who would come to visit, and all the equipment that an elderly couple would need.
What is the unique architectural design of the project?
The house is close to the sea, and it was very important to the clients that every floor would have a view of the sea. We designed a Mediterranean house with a modern rural architectural design, which would blend in with the shades of the sea. All the main functions in the house face the sea – the kitchen, the master bedroom, the study, including sitting areas and a balcony from the kitchen overlooking the sea.
What exactly is Mediterranean design?
A design that focuses on life by the sea, and is reminiscent of the villages in Europe by the sea, in Greece and southern Spain, the goal was to give a Mediterranean feel, for example using blue and white colors.
How is it different from rustic design?
The difference is in the details and materials. A Mediterranean house is cleaner and less overloaded with details and materials. The colors are clean and give a feeling of the sea and the house is designed with fewer elements such as bricks and cornices.
The materials by the sea need to be resistant to moisture and heat, so it is not recommended to use wood and iron, but more durable materials.
What was challenging about the project?
The house was built on a long, narrow lot. The main difficulty was to accommodate all the required functions, without living in a sense of narrowness. With the help of creative architectural planning, we were able to meet the challenge.
Can you elaborate a little on the process of working with you?
Certainly. As soon as a client contacts me and we start working together, we go through an initial program process together – their dreams, their desires, their vision and all their requirements for the house. After that, I present them with planning sketches, and together we choose the right direction for the client. In the final stage of planning, I present external renderings of the house, the lot, etc. When the client approves the planning, we begin the process of submitting the plans to the authorities and receiving the permits. After the plans are reviewed and approved in principle by the committee, we begin working together with the client on work plans. When the work plans are ready, the process of interior design, selection of materials, etc. can be started with the client. After that, I propose all the specifications, flooring layouts, carpentry and everything related to the interior design and interior planning of the house.
In fact, at the same time as the process of receiving the permits, are all the design decisions already made with the client?
Definitely, I try to ensure that by the end of the permit receiving process, the entire set of work plans and interior design, including the selection of materials, are completed. So, as soon as you receive the building permit, you can immediately begin the construction process. Once you choose all the things in the approval stages, you have the opportunity to build smoothly and quickly, without problems and conflicts that can delay construction and lead to unnecessary expenses.
Was the process on the project different from other projects?
In terms of the process, there is no difference, the professional process is similar in all projects. The difference is in the architectural design. Each project is completely unique in terms of design and architectural design, everything is tailored to the client's wishes and dreams, and we use all the professional knowledge and creativity so that the client builds the house of his dreams.
Thank you very much Liran, it was fascinating!
