A 446-square-metre penthouse on Tel Aviv’s 29th floor has been reimagined by interior architect Bella Simon into two distinct yet cohesive homes—one for a family, the other for guests—while preserving the building’s breathtaking Mediterranean views. Positioned near the historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood, the residence maximizes its raised vantage point, with expansive glazing that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space. The expansive balcony extends the living space outdoors, offering a spectacular vantage point over Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea.
Dividing Space Into Two Homes
The project began as a core-and-shell structure, giving Simon full creative control over the layout. Instead of a single monolithic residence, she divided the space into a three-bedroom family apartment and a separate studio for visitors. The division wasn’t just functional—it also ensured both areas shared the same architectural language, maintaining visual continuity while allowing for privacy. The challenge of working with a raw floor plate required careful planning to divide the expansive space without compromising natural light, views, or the sense of openness that defines the penthouse’s character.
The family home balances private spaces with areas designed for togetherness, a deliberate choice to accommodate daily life alongside gatherings. The guest studio, though smaller, avoids feeling like an afterthought, offering its own sophistication without sacrificing comfort. The design prioritizes natural light, unobstructed views, and a sense of openness that makes the 446-square-metre footprint feel both spacious and intimate. The family residence, in particular, was designed to adapt to the rhythms of modern living, with flexible zones that can shift from intimate family moments to relaxed gatherings with extended family.
Timeless Materials Meet Coastal Views
Simon’s approach rejects trend-driven interiors in favor of timeless materials and thoughtful proportions. The result is a home that feels elegant without being stiff, critical for a family residence meant for both ordinary days and extended visits. Large windows ensure the Mediterranean environment becomes part of daily life, while custom solutions address practical needs without compromising aesthetics. The restraint in material selection allows the architecture to take center stage, ensuring the interiors complement rather than compete with the home’s extraordinary coastal setting.
The penthouse’s flexibility is its defining feature. The family apartment adapts to routines, while the guest studio keeps visitors close without encroaching on privacy. This duality reflects Simon’s broader philosophy: luxury should serve the people who live in a space, not dictate their lives. Her work, rooted in her training at École Camondo in Paris, emphasizes functionality, individuality, and an enduring sense of place, ensuring that every design decision supports the lives of its inhabitants rather than imposing artificial constraints.
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Seamless Coexistence Of Privacy And Connection
What sets this project apart isn’t just the division of space but how seamlessly the two residences coexist. The guest apartment doesn’t feel like an add-on; it’s an intentional extension of the main home, designed to enhance rather than disrupt the primary living experience. This balance between privacy and connection is rare in high-end urban residences, where open-plan layouts often sacrifice one for the other. The careful zoning ensures that guests can enjoy proximity to the family without compromising the intimacy of either space.
The materials and finishes reinforce the penthouse’s coastal identity. Light, airy textures and muted tones prevent the space from feeling heavy, while strategic glazing ensures the sea remains a constant presence. Even in the guest studio, the same attention to detail applies, no detail is overlooked, whether in the choice of furnishings or the way light filters through the space. The Mediterranean environment is woven into the design, with expanses of glass and carefully positioned openings that frame the cityscape and coastline, making the views an integral part of the living experience.
Reflecting Simon’s Design Philosophy
Simon’s portfolio spans residential and commercial projects across Israel and beyond, but this Tel Aviv penthouse exemplifies her core principles: sophistication without pretension, practicality without sacrificing beauty, and a deep respect for the stories her clients bring to their homes. The result isn’t just a luxury apartment, it’s a living space designed to evolve with its inhabitants, grounded in the timeless allure of the Mediterranean. Her approach combines sophisticated luxury with individuality, creating spaces that respond to the unique needs and aspirations of those who will inhabit them, ensuring that each project feels deeply personal and intentional.
The penthouse stands as a case study in how urban architecture can adapt to modern family life while honoring its surroundings, demonstrating how a raw architectural shell can be transformed into a flexible, soulful home that celebrates both its Mediterranean setting and the lives of those who live within it.
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