In a quiet neighborhood in the outskirts of Jerusalem, on a narrow and elongated plot, at a point where the view suddenly takes your breath away, stands the SCH House. A modernist, Jerusalemite villa – where stone and glass, desert and mountain meet.
The house is designed as a blend of tradition and modernity, where Jerusalem’s architectural heritage intersects with contemporary design principles. The architecture balances the time-honored gravitas of Jerusalem stone with the sleek transparency of modern architectural elements, creating a juxtaposition of old and new.
The project navigates the challenges posed by a narrow and elongated site, and through strategic manipulation of the topography, the design crafts a ground floor embraced by sturdy stone walls, establishing both privacy and a seamless connection with the surrounding garden bathed in natural light.
The stone and glass are separated into two distinct volumes – a single-story modernist structure in Jerusalem stone suspended above a transparent ground volume. On top of these, the rooftop pool overlooks the vast views of the hills surrounding Jerusalem, and is cantilevered over the eastern garden, suspended in mid-air.
Internally, spaces are thoughtfully arranged on the transparent ground floor to promote openness and fluidity, while private quarters are situated on the stone-clad level above. A guest unit positioned on the elevated eastern portion offers versatility, serving as an integral part of the household or a secluded retreat with its own garden enclave.
As one transitions from interior to exterior spaces, the design seamlessly blurs the boundaries, creating a sense of continuity between nature and architecture. Crafted from a thoughtful selection of materials—including Jerusalem stone, glass, iron, and wood—the design embodies a modern aesthetic grounded in tradition.