This gorgeous home on a hilltop overlooking the Sea of Galilee was designed by Golany Architects with optimal views and temperature control in mind. Inspired by the ornate mashrabiyas found throughout the Mediterranean, the architects covered the exterior with several sliding wooden shutters that shade and filter harsh sunlight while providing stellar views of the landscape.
The building lot for the home was quite small – just 500 square meters surrounded by fields of mature oak and olive trees. In order to maintain the natural state of the building area, the architects created a compact two-story structure that would leave a minimal footprint.
Related: Golany Architects Turns a Shipping Container Into a Two-Tree House
Installed on the south and east sides of the home, the various shutter lattices are a key feature of the home’s design. The location has breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee on one side and Mount Canaan and the historic town of Safed on the other. The homeowners wanted to enjoy these views without being burdened by the region’s blazing hot sun.
To address the glaring sun, the architects decided to add an extra exterior around the perimeter of the house, essentially using the shutter system as a second facade. The home’s interior wall of windows and doors are recessed behind the shutters, creating a covered walkway or porch area that wraps around the home.
This strategic system was essential to the homeowner’s comfort and as well as their wish to blend the home into the surroundings. The shutters not only provide privacy while providing beautiful views at every angle, they also block out the hot summer rays, and allow for optimal climate control and air circulation on the interior
Photography by Amit-Geron via Golany Architects
