KG20 Apartment,
The Florentin Archeology: A Historic Tel-Avivian Family Home
Reconstruction and restoration of a 120m² century old apartment in Tel Aviv.
Original Construction: 1923, Architect: Y. Yehuda Stampfer
completed
The Vision__What began as a standard minimalist renovation in a century-old building evolved into a profound architectural preservation project. Located in the historic "Merkaz Miskhari" - Tel Aviv’s first commercial district - this apartment was a hidden gem of the 1920s eclectic style that had been obscured by decades of functional modifications and divisions. Our mission shifted from working with a "blank canvas" to acting as stewards of history, fostering a dialogue between 1923 craftsmanship and 2026 living.
The Discoveries__The demolition phase acted as an archaeological dig, uncovering original elements that dictated the new design direction:
Heritage Tiles: well preserved 1923 patterned tiles were found beneath modern flooring, now serving as the home's aesthetic foundation.
Eclectic Wall Paintings: Fragments of original decorative murals were uncovered and integrated into the contemporary color palette.
The Sole Survivor: As the only original opening left intact, the reopening of the sealed clerestory window serves as a vital aesthetic bridge, preserving the authentic proportions and detailing of the 1923 window and door style.
Voluminous Proportions: Lowered ceilings were removed to reclaim the soaring 4-meter heights characteristic of the Mandate era.
The Design Philosophy__We adopted a "Dialogical Approach" - ensuring the new interventions never "faked" history but instead respected the rhythms of the old.
Preservation: Meticulously restoring the original hand-painted murals and 1923 tiled floors while maintaining the soaring 4-meter proportions that define the apartment’s historical character.
Contrast: Introducing sleek, contemporary elements that are clearly modern, allowing the historical textures to stand out.
Sustainability of Story: Treating the apartment not as a finished product, but as a living piece of Tel Aviv’s urban fabric that honors the pioneering spirit of the neighborhood's founders.
“We didn’t just restore original features, we integrated them into our daily life. We live among the craftsmanship of 1923, ensuring the apartment doesn’t just exist in 2026, but carries its century-long story forward."
Our primary design strategy was Restorative Minimalism. We didn't need to rebuild the apartment; we needed to uncover its potential.
Images by Lia Ben Nun, Noam Ron & studioMARMITA
