Staying in history: W Tel Aviv – Jaffa

British architect, John Pawson famous for his minimalistic style, Israeli architect Ramy Gill and a team of restoration experts have been working for three years to restore the 19th century chapel of the old French hospital in the old city of Jaffa and convert it into a Lounge Bar for the W Hotel and Residences Tel Aviv – Jaffa, opening in Autumn.



Repurposing historical buildings is one of Livegreenblog's favourite topics, so the restoration of an architectural gem in the old city of Jaffa - the chapel of the 19th century French hospital - unveiling fourteen mosaic windows, stucco ceilings and walls and returning them to their original splendour - whet our curiosity and interest.





Even more so if we look at the end use of this building, the Lounge Bar of the new W Hotel and Residences Tel Aviv – Jaffa opening in Autumn in the old port district of Jaffa, offering a special place to stay, just a hop, skip and jump from the Mediterranean.





The Lounge Bar makes the most of the charming period architecture, charming because of the fine details that have come to light during the three-year restoration that is now drawing to an end. The hotel itself has been built in the old 19th century French hospital building, and the exterior has been carefully restored, while all the interior amenities are new and contemporary; the residences are located in a newly constructed wing reflecting the fine context both in form and volume. 



The images of the restored chapel tell us everything we need to know and give us some insight into the unique atmosphere that you can soak up in this complex dedicated to relaxation and sharing. The perfect venue for a drink after exploring the World Heritage site of Bauhaus in Tel Aviv and the narrow streets of Old Jaffa, the oldest city on the Mediterranean the oldest constantly inhabited city in the world.

Christiane Bürklein

Project: John Pawson with Ramy Gill architects
Location: Tel Aviv – Jaffa, Israel
Year: 2016
Images: Eldad Rafaeli and Amit Geron – courtesy of Jacob Peres 
Link: www.wresidences.com, 
http://wtelavivresidences.com/