A Home in Ramat Hen: A Renovation that Honors the Past and Speaks a Contemporary Language
The Ramat Hen neighborhood in Ramat Gan is known for its low-rise buildings and private homes. Some still retain their nostalgic charm — red-tiled roofs, spacious gardens, and the warmth of "Grandma’s house." Others have undergone extensive renovations, expanded upward to two stories, and sacrificed garden space to accommodate the needs of modern families.
This 180 sqm home, set on a 500 sqm lot, was neither demolished nor expanded. Instead, it underwent a comprehensive renovation that focused on removing rather than adding, revealing rather than concealing, and preserving wherever possible — all while staying true to the house’s original character.
A Renewed Facade with a Nod to the Past
The fronts of the house was fully renovated but retained key original elements. The front door was restored and painted white, and the brown brick wall surrounding it remained untouched. A new focal point was added: a large bay window with a terrazzo bench and a pile of cushions — inviting a cozy sit-down with a good book and a view of the garden.
A Public Space That's Open and Airy
Upon entering, the main living space unfolds — a dramatic transformation from the original home, which had been divided into small, closed rooms with a low rabitz ceiling. The renovation opened up the space by removing the ceiling, exposing the high sloped roof and the wooden beams that support it. The guiding principle: preserve what can be preserved, and use natural materials that suit the home’s character.
The floors were covered with natural wood parquet, and the interior of the sloped ceiling was clad in light wood beams. A darker wood structural beam system adds depth and warmth. Old, broken windows were replaced with sleek black iron Belgian-style windows.
A Cozy, Colorful Living Room
To the right of the entrance is the living room, featuring two colorful armchairs, round coffee tables, a vintage rug, and a grand piano. The terrazzo window seat becomes a cozy corner within the bay window, complemented by a mix of lighting: a standing lamp, a central chandelier hanging from the beams, and black ceiling spotlights for functional illumination.
A Thoughtful Kitchen and Dining Area
To the left of the entrance are the kitchen and dining area, subtly separated by a low partition wall designed to conceal the fridge and pantry. The dining area features a dark wood table and woven, upholstered chairs under a pair of matching wicker pendant lamps. Above it, a high arched window lets in natural light — a remnant from the original structure, once used for access to utilities above the rabitz ceiling.
The kitchen floor is finished in practical grey terrazzo. While the layout and window above the sink remained, everything else is new: cabinetry with soft green painted fronts, brass handles, and wood veneer accents. The countertop is matte porcelain granite, continuing up the wall to create a calm and cohesive workspace. A small dining table sits beneath another wicker pendant, echoing the lights in the dining area.
A Seamless Transition to the Outdoors
Large glass doors near the kitchen and dining area lead directly to the garden. While the mature fruit trees were preserved, new landscaping was added — herbs, vegetables, and a grapevine. A terrazzo patio was poured for a small outdoor seating area, and stepping stones now lead around the house — a touch of the countryside, not far from the city center.