Imagine transforming a vast, empty plot of farmland into a stunning minimalist sanctuary designed to bring generations together. That’s exactly what one Israeli couple achieved, creating a single-level retreat that’s as functional as it is breathtaking. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a home truly balance the needs of a bustling extended family while maintaining a serene, minimalist aesthetic? Let’s dive in and explore how this architectural marvel pulls it off—and why it’s sparking conversations about modern family living.
A few years ago, Noa Brik and Gilad Raveh of Brik Raveh Architects were approached by a couple who had purchased a 13-dunam (approximately 3.2-acre) plot in a central Israeli farming community. Their vision? A home that would not only accommodate themselves and their youngest daughter but also serve as a welcoming haven for their three adult children and their families. Sounds ambitious, right? And this is the part most people miss: starting with a blank slate can be the hardest part for any architect. ‘In most projects, there’s a reference point—whether it’s size, topography, or neighboring structures,’ explains Brik. ‘Here, we had nothing but potential. Where do you even begin?’
Their solution was both bold and practical: a 300-square-meter (3,230-square-foot) single-level home structured around two perpendicular axes. One axis runs northward, anchored by a striking wall of natural fieldstone that frames the endless landscape beyond. The other connects the private and shared spaces, ensuring seamless flow throughout the house. But the real showstopper? An oversized concrete roof that doubles as a pergola-like structure in certain areas, filtering sunlight and adding architectural drama. ‘It was a structural challenge,’ Raveh admits, ‘but we wanted that thin, wing-like edge to define the home.’
Approaching the house, you’re greeted by a long path of exposed concrete slabs, flanked by a prominent stone wall that marks the home’s central axis. A second wall, perpendicular to the path, offers privacy without completely isolating the house from its surroundings. Between these walls, a garden seems to spill into the home through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, blurring the line between indoors and out.
Step inside, and you’re immediately drawn to a large glass wall at the far end, framing sweeping views of the green landscape. The spacious living room centers around a commanding iron fireplace and a grand piano, both serving as natural gathering spots for the extended family. The kitchen, with its towering wood cabinetry and massive island, is another focal point—a place where coffee, meals, and memories are shared.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the home’s intimate zones are thoughtfully separated from the communal areas. Beyond the stone wall lies a self-contained unit for the couple’s daughter, a reinforced safe room (mamad) for visiting grandchildren, and a master suite designed as a retreat within a retreat. The master suite opens to a private terrace, a feature the couple initially questioned but now cherishes. ‘They even hung a swing from the concrete beams,’ Brik shares with a smile.
Outside, the property’s centerpiece is its expansive plot, complete with a vineyard planted by the couple and two infinity pools—one for adults and one for toddlers. The pools, each ending in its own waterfall, create a soothing soundtrack that greets visitors long before they enter the home. ‘The homeowners weren’t sure about the waterfalls at first,’ Brik recalls. ‘But now they send us photos of sunset wine sessions by the pool. Those are the moments we design for.’
So, here’s the question: does this home strike the perfect balance between minimalist design and family-friendly functionality? Or is it a compromise too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this modern family oasis.
