Residential House SHN by Architects Doron Sheinman in Neve Shalom, Israel

Project: Residential House SHN

Architects: Doron Sheinman

Location: Neve Shalom, Israel

Area: 2,045 sq ft

Photography: Amit Goshen

Residential House SHN by Architects Doron Sheinman

The architectural studio of Doron Sheinman has completed the project of the residential house SHN in Neve Shalom, Israel. This modern dwelling offers 2045 square feet of bright and contemporary living spaces distributed across two levels. The house is located on a plot surrounded by natural landscapes, creating a striking contrast between the pristine white façade and the surrounding greenery.

The residential house SHN in Neve Shalom is a private two-story home for one family. It is located in the village of Wadi as-Salam / Neve Shalom — a unique Israeli Arab-Jewish village adhering to principles of cultural equality. The house location reflects the experience of living in terms of openness and hospitality. The U-shaped form of the house around a festive entrance courtyard conveys an invitation to enter, while also acting as a protective screen for the inhabitants. The spacious, bright and well-lit first-floor space creates continuity that is gently interrupted by various points of interest within it.

One such point is the living room. It functions both as part of an illusion of expanded interior and as a key element in its own right. Located at the intersection of captivating views from outside — both distant and nearby — as well as left and right wings of the house, it defines the center of the living space that responds to both the needs of the inhabitants and the external social context. About 1.6 kilometers from the residential house SHN lies the Latrun Monastery. The monastery was founded by French Trappist monks in 1890; in the 1970s, with the creation of the peaceful community Wadi as-Salam / Neve Shalom, the monks donated land to the village.

Respecting its environment, the house is built with respect and mutual consideration for the social context. Located behind an existing line of olive trees, it not only pays attention to external conditions but also transforms them into internal advantages. The division provided by the tree line enhances privacy and protection, as well as allowing for clear organization of the plot. Linearity, rhythm, and distance between trees played an important role in forming the ceremonial entrance where the unifying element is movement.

The continuity of external and internal circulation networks creates a holistic home journey experience, where intimate familiarity with the building occurs through movement. What begins in an embracing gesture from the back of the building to the front courtyard continues in a seamless circular motion inside the main staircase. These staircases naturally connect the more public first-floor area and the more private, residential upper level. This integrated impression peaks on the balcony overlooking the Aylon Valley and the Latrun Hill.

— Doron Sheinman Architectural Studio