Complete renovations are usually the most rewarding. That’s because you get to see a big change and the transformation is dramatic and powerful. The renovation of a duplex penthouse apartment is a large and complex project which requires ample planning and great attention to details.

Located in Tel Aviv, Israel, this apartment was renovated in the period 2014 and 2015 by architect Gabrielle Toledano. The apartment’s size and distribution of the spaces are defining for the project. In addition, the fact that there’s also a big roof terrace played an important role in how the project was approached.

The exterior space was treated as an extension of the interior. A large wood pergola covers the entire roof terrace, offering some protection from the sun and the element but serving mostly as a design feature meant to make the space more enjoyable and comfortable.

Teak wood was used for pretty much everything on the terrace. It can be found in the form of benches, plant pots, a playful swing as well as a bar and outdoor kitchen unit. The designing is complemented by lots of plants integrated throughout the terrace in order to offer it a fresh and welcoming feel.

The interior spaces contrast with the green and fresh roof terrace but share a similar style. All the rooms are defined by an abundance of natural light.

A suspended metal staircase connects the two levels and serves as a focal point for the public spaces on both floors. The lower level public space is designed as a spacious and austere space with concrete flooring, white walls and bench seating along the walls.

A series of wood panels function as space dividers, separating the area into distinct zones. Black and white combined with gray and wood seems to be the defining palette for the entire duplex.

The staircase leads on the upper level where a pretty large kitchen with a long bar occupies most of the space. The kitchen is parallel to the staircase and the black cords that support it form graphical shadows and visual effects.

This social space is long and narrow, a walkway forming in between the staircase wall and the kitchen. The design is, in this case, a mixture of elegance, raw industrial beauty and modern simplicity.

An unfinished, raw beauty also defines the bathroom spaces where concrete plays a key role and where gray is the main color.

The only space in contrast with the rest of the penthouse is the kids’ room. In this case, a playful approach was chosen and the goal was to make the space feel welcoming, cozy and friendly while also feeling like a part of the whole.

This room was envisioned as a playground. It has comfy platform beds, both accessible via small and colorful ladders. The lower bed also offers a great window seating area thanks to its positioning.

The room also has a desk and a set of nesting rectangles to be used as tables or stools. Wood was used for the floor as well as on the walls and for the furniture.But the most interesting feature here is a suspended cabin where kids can hide and play. It was designed as a tiny house inside the larger one meant to let the kids explore their creativity and have lots of fun.