Z House

The aesthetic appeal of cold, grey concrete entered the public imagination largely at the hands of French master architect Le Corbusier. While he first took to the material for its low cost, Le Corbusier quickly grew to love concrete for its surprisingly expressive potential. Because of its simplicity and malleability, he could create varied, sculptural spaces and, more importantly, focus on the lives—with all their distinct habits, desires, and patterns—that those spaces were meant to nurture.

The exposed concrete exterior of Z House in Rishpon, Israel. Photograph by Amit Geron. Courtesy of Studio de Lange.

In Z House, a 900-square-foot family home in Rishpon, Israel, the generosity of the building material quickly becomes clear. Tel Aviv-based architecture firm Studio de Lange constructed this abode in an “unfolding sequence of simple geometric forms” that weave together a fluid spatial experience. Thick concrete slabs define and separate the public and private areas of the house, doubling as gallery walls for an extensive collection of modern art.

Fittingly, the neutral shade of cement allows the expressive forms of furniture and sculpture to sing. “The material and color palettes were greatly restrained so not to overbear the space,” said Studio de Lange, “allowing the space itself to be an adequate airy platform for the residents and their exquisite art and design collection.”

The airy living room of Z House, with Saarinen Coffee Tables beneath an Alexander Calder mobile. Photograph by Amit Geron. Courtesy of Studio de Lange.

“The material and color palettes were greatly restrained so not to overbear the space, allowing the space itself to be an adequate airy platform for the residents and their exquisite art and design collection.”

—Studio de Lange

Careful arrangements of furniture segment the open expanse of the living area, where a mobile by Alexander Calder hovers above. A pair of Saarinen Coffee Tables define one space to lounge and take in the art, while the complete Barcelona Collection, designed by Mies van der Rohe, forms a second seating area. The classic black leather upholstery of the Barcelona Chair, Stool, and Couch pairs well with the art around it, while keeping in line with the overall palette of the home.

The Barcelona Collection in the living room of Z House. Photograph by Amit Geron. Courtesy of Studio de Lange.

“The prominent color detail found is an array of black,” explained the designers. “Black is used in both wood and metal textures, as those are complementary to the exposed concrete; which serves as the base material in the palette.”

Even the outdoor lounge areas conform to the color scheme: on the patio, Richard Schultz’s 1966 Dining Table and Chairs in black finishes form a sophisticated space for al fresco affairs. In the distance, the 1966 Adjustable Chaise draws dark, graphic lines under the sun.

“Black is used in both wood and metal textures, as those are complementary to the exposed concrete; which serves as the base material in the palette.”

—Studio de Lange

A set of Bertoia Barstools in the kitchen, a Florence Knoll 4 Position Credenza and Hans Wegner Chairs in the dining area. Photograph by Amit Geron. Courtesy of Studio de Lange.

Replete with modern designs, the kitchen and dining areas of Z House include more timeless furniture from Knoll, including a set of Bertoia Barstools  around the kitchen island and a Florence Knoll Credenza against the living room wall. Around the dining table, are a set of wooden Kennedy Chairs by Danish designer Hans Wegner, whose furniture was produced exclusively by Knoll in the 1970s. And in the basement den, a minimalist courtyard creates a stunning backdrop for a pair of Laccio Tables by Marcel Breuer.

A basement seating area, with Laccio Side and Coffee Tables, overlooks a sunken courtyard. Photograph by Amit Geron. Courtesy of Studio de Lange.

For a family with a keen aesthetic eye, the concrete composition of Z House quite literally realizes Le Corbusier’s dream of an emotional, art-filled space made possible by béton brut. “By the use of raw materials and starting from conditions more or less utilitarian, you have established certain relationships which have aroused my emotions,” he once wrote. “That is Architecture. Art enters in.”