0 00:00:10,005 --> 00:00:13,325 I think it's time, Caroline,
to go see how the other half live. 1 00:00:13,405 --> 00:00:15,405 [Caroline]
Talk about "welcome to my humble abode." 2 00:00:15,525 --> 00:00:19,485 Cor! That is a whole lot of house! 3 00:00:21,445 --> 00:00:25,245 He's Piers Taylor,
an award-winning architect. 4 00:00:25,685 --> 00:00:29,085 I mean, the depth of this wall;
it's four foot thick. 5 00:00:29,645 --> 00:00:31,005 After you, my Lord. 6 00:00:31,085 --> 00:00:32,805 And she's Caroline Quentin, 7 00:00:33,405 --> 00:00:36,125 acclaimed actress
and passionate property developer. 8 00:00:36,685 --> 00:00:39,245 This house has the perfect ratio 9 00:00:39,805 --> 00:00:42,165 of bedrooms to swimming pools. 10 00:00:42,685 --> 00:00:46,045 [Caroline] We've been given the keys
to some of the most incredible houses 11 00:00:46,125 --> 00:00:47,325 in the world. 12 00:00:47,605 --> 00:00:50,645 IIf we were left alone here for any amount
of time, I have a feeling... 13 00:00:50,725 --> 00:00:51,765 We would ruin this house. 14 00:00:53,005 --> 00:00:55,565 [Piers] To discover the design innovation,
passion, 15 00:00:55,645 --> 00:00:59,085 and endurance needed
to transform architectural vision 16 00:00:59,165 --> 00:01:00,965 into an extraordinary home. 17 00:01:01,045 --> 00:01:03,485 [Caroline] Look! I'm dumbstruck. 18 00:01:04,565 --> 00:01:06,525 We're travelling the globe. 19 00:01:07,725 --> 00:01:11,685 [Piers] Meeting architects and owners,
to explore how their daring homes respond 20 00:01:11,765 --> 00:01:15,645 uniquely to local landscape,
climate and culture. 21 00:01:15,725 --> 00:01:18,765 I think this is probably
the greatest house I've ever been in. 22 00:01:18,845 --> 00:01:20,925 Whether its battling the elements 23 00:01:21,005 --> 00:01:25,245 to construct a dream home
on dramatic Scandinavian terrain... 24 00:01:25,565 --> 00:01:28,565 The architect was nervous
that things would go wrong. 25 00:01:28,645 --> 00:01:29,885 He couldn't bear to look at it. 26 00:01:30,445 --> 00:01:33,805 [Piers] Pushing the boundaries
of European experimentation... 27 00:01:34,205 --> 00:01:35,805 -I think that's it.
-I think it is. 28 00:01:36,365 --> 00:01:40,205 [architect] When I looked at the proposal,
at the beginning, I was almost shocked. 29 00:01:40,805 --> 00:01:44,285 [Caroline] Celebrating craftsmanship
and beauty in Asia... 30 00:01:44,725 --> 00:01:49,245 We've likened this house to dripping
chocolate sauce over vanilla ice cream. 31 00:01:49,805 --> 00:01:52,005 [Piers]
Or going all out for glamour in America... 32 00:01:52,605 --> 00:01:56,485 You just do what you do best,
is to create a masterpiece. 33 00:01:57,005 --> 00:02:00,005 Piers! Is this too Miami? 34 00:02:06,845 --> 00:02:08,765 [Piers]
This time, we're in the Middle East. 35 00:02:11,165 --> 00:02:12,645 [Piers] Israel. Here we are. 36 00:02:13,045 --> 00:02:16,845 It's exciting to be
in such an ancient culture, isn't it? 37 00:02:16,925 --> 00:02:17,965 It is. 38 00:02:19,885 --> 00:02:21,325 [Piers] We've come to see the work 39 00:02:21,405 --> 00:02:24,925 of some of Israel's
most interesting contemporary architects, 40 00:02:25,085 --> 00:02:27,765 who often take inspiration
from the country's rich 41 00:02:27,845 --> 00:02:30,045 cultural and historical traditions, 42 00:02:30,205 --> 00:02:34,005 creating buildings that also have to deal
with an extreme climate. 43 00:02:34,525 --> 00:02:37,885 From a stunning city house carved
out of a hillside... 44 00:02:38,485 --> 00:02:40,285 [Caroline]
This is clearly what it's all about. 45 00:02:40,485 --> 00:02:43,205 -It's all about the rock.
-It's all about the rock. 46 00:02:44,125 --> 00:02:46,405 [Caroline]
To luxury living by the Mediterranean. 47 00:02:46,485 --> 00:02:49,125 This is one seriously glamorous boudoir. 48 00:02:49,205 --> 00:02:51,965 [Piers] We're on a kind
of architectural pilgrimage. 49 00:02:52,325 --> 00:02:56,285 Look at the light, Piers! It's magical,
the way it's bouncing off the floor! 50 00:02:56,365 --> 00:03:00,405 [Piers] As we hit the road seeking
extraordinary homes in the Holy Land... 51 00:03:00,525 --> 00:03:05,085 I want you, Piers Taylor, to give me
a surmon on architecture. 52 00:03:05,245 --> 00:03:06,165 Convert me. 53 00:03:13,485 --> 00:03:18,045 [C] We're starting our journey just north
of Tel Aviv, in Herzliya Pituach. 54 00:03:21,885 --> 00:03:24,445 This is one of the wealthiest
neighborhoods in Israel, 55 00:03:24,565 --> 00:03:29,685 renowned for boutique hotels, restaurants,
embassies, and jaw-dropping houses, 56 00:03:29,845 --> 00:03:32,965 it's a millionaire's playground
by the Mediterranean. 57 00:03:35,685 --> 00:03:36,685 Back on the beach. 58 00:03:37,925 --> 00:03:41,605 [Caroline] When a British businessman
and his Israeli wife wanted to build 59 00:03:41,685 --> 00:03:43,525 their dream family home, 60 00:03:43,605 --> 00:03:46,925 they searched for a plot
in this exclusive neighborhood. 61 00:03:47,565 --> 00:03:48,685 I think this is it, P. 62 00:03:51,765 --> 00:03:53,285 It's enormous! 63 00:03:53,365 --> 00:03:54,805 [Piers] It's huge, isn't it? 64 00:03:54,885 --> 00:03:57,125 [Caroline] I mean it's like
a great big liner, isn't it? 65 00:03:57,205 --> 00:03:58,965 -It is.
-Oh, gosh! It's wonderful! 66 00:04:02,685 --> 00:04:06,925 [Piers] It's a surprise to find this huge,
intriguing-looking house tucked away 67 00:04:07,005 --> 00:04:08,565 in a suburban plot. 68 00:04:09,365 --> 00:04:13,045 Beyond the giant white facade
with its sculpted screens 69 00:04:13,125 --> 00:04:17,965 is a sleek and spacious family home
designed to embrace the outdoors. 70 00:04:25,725 --> 00:04:27,325 [Caroline] Shall we have a look inside? 71 00:04:27,405 --> 00:04:28,605 [Piers] The gate's open. 72 00:04:30,965 --> 00:04:35,005 [Caroline] This is like a gangplank
onto a 1930s liner. 73 00:04:35,085 --> 00:04:35,965 It is, isn't it? 74 00:04:36,325 --> 00:04:38,205 And it's so lush, it's so verdant! 75 00:04:38,285 --> 00:04:39,645 [Caroline] Look at the planting! 76 00:04:40,405 --> 00:04:41,565 It's quite tropical, isn't it? 77 00:04:42,525 --> 00:04:45,565 [Piers] Ossi, who's the owner
of this house, has invited us in. 78 00:04:45,965 --> 00:04:48,885 -Hello!
-Hello! Welcome! 79 00:04:48,965 --> 00:04:49,805 Hello. 80 00:04:50,085 --> 00:04:53,405 -Lovely to meet you! Here's Piers.
-Hello. I'm Caroline. This is Piers. 81 00:04:53,565 --> 00:04:55,965 [Caroline] Don't be so ridiculous!
Ossi, lovely to meet you. 82 00:04:56,205 --> 00:04:58,325 Thank you very much
for letting us come in. 83 00:04:58,445 --> 00:04:59,965 Thank you so much! 84 00:05:02,445 --> 00:05:06,605 Phew! It's already
extraordinarily beautiful! 85 00:05:06,765 --> 00:05:08,325 Thank you. Thank you very much. 86 00:05:11,245 --> 00:05:14,565 [Caroline] It's immediately obvious
that no expense has been spared 87 00:05:14,645 --> 00:05:16,685 in this palacial family home. 88 00:05:17,085 --> 00:05:21,805 Ossi and her husband Steve have created
generous living spaces 89 00:05:21,885 --> 00:05:23,685 which are warm and welcoming. 90 00:05:25,325 --> 00:05:27,085 Throughout the ground floor, 91 00:05:27,165 --> 00:05:30,485 choreographed light
and reflective pools create 92 00:05:30,565 --> 00:05:32,925 a calm connection with the outside world. 93 00:05:34,565 --> 00:05:37,085 Let me show you the area
that we actually live. 94 00:05:37,325 --> 00:05:39,965 We're actually spending most of our time
here outside 95 00:05:40,045 --> 00:05:41,885 'cause it's a hot country, you know, 96 00:05:42,045 --> 00:05:44,205 nine months a year, we're outside. 97 00:05:44,565 --> 00:05:46,365 [Caroline] So how many are you here? 98 00:05:46,445 --> 00:05:50,165 So I came with my three kids,
and my husband came with his three kids, 99 00:05:50,245 --> 00:05:52,685 -Right.
-Thank God they really get on together. 100 00:05:52,765 --> 00:05:57,005 We all live here with friends and families 101 00:05:57,085 --> 00:05:59,445 and everyone come in and out
whenever they want. 102 00:05:59,525 --> 00:06:02,325 It's really like... like a home. 103 00:06:02,485 --> 00:06:05,405 I think it's great that in a house
which is really, I mean, 104 00:06:05,565 --> 00:06:08,325 quite phenomenal,
that it's a home as well. 105 00:06:08,405 --> 00:06:12,085 It's a place you feel you can use
that teenagers can come and live and be. 106 00:06:12,165 --> 00:06:13,925 Yeah, there's no rules in the house. 107 00:06:14,005 --> 00:06:17,445 As long as everyone's nice to each other,
I'm happy. We don't really have rules. 108 00:06:17,525 --> 00:06:19,965 So, in the end you want
everyone to enjoy it. 109 00:06:20,085 --> 00:06:22,845 Well if you don't mind,
I shall thoroughly immerse myself 110 00:06:22,925 --> 00:06:24,285 in your home, if that's OK. 111 00:06:24,365 --> 00:06:26,165 Of course. Would you like a cup of coffee? 112 00:06:26,245 --> 00:06:27,285 Thank you. I'd love that. 113 00:06:38,365 --> 00:06:41,885 [Piers] This is a huge house
with 800 square meters of floor space 114 00:06:41,965 --> 00:06:43,845 that is set over three levels. 115 00:06:45,325 --> 00:06:48,645 In the basement,
there are three large en-suite bedrooms, 116 00:06:48,725 --> 00:06:50,685 a cinema, and a bar area. 117 00:06:51,925 --> 00:06:54,445 Upstairs, there's a main bedroom
and dressing room 118 00:06:54,525 --> 00:06:56,085 and three further bedrooms. 119 00:06:58,125 --> 00:07:01,005 The ground floor is open-plan
with a generous kitchen, 120 00:07:01,085 --> 00:07:03,245 a dining room, and two sitting areas, 121 00:07:03,485 --> 00:07:05,245 which all open onto the garden. 122 00:07:08,645 --> 00:07:09,645 -P?
-Hello. 123 00:07:09,725 --> 00:07:12,525 She's gone to make me a cup of coffee,
but she was just telling me 124 00:07:12,605 --> 00:07:16,285 how they live pretty much
almost entirely outside 125 00:07:16,485 --> 00:07:17,805 because the climate's so good. 126 00:07:17,885 --> 00:07:19,765 She says all of this opens up. 127 00:07:19,845 --> 00:07:25,085 It does. I mean, it's hard to know where
the inside ends and the outside begins, 128 00:07:25,165 --> 00:07:27,005 but all of these pull back. 129 00:07:27,685 --> 00:07:30,685 And this does change the character
of the house completely, doesn't it? 130 00:07:30,765 --> 00:07:32,965 Entirely. I mean, you open up the side
and suddenly, 131 00:07:33,045 --> 00:07:35,045 you're in a completely different space, 132 00:07:35,125 --> 00:07:37,885 and the way you feel
about it changes completely. 133 00:07:37,965 --> 00:07:42,245 It does. I mean, particularly here,
where this goes from being... 134 00:07:42,925 --> 00:07:46,925 a rather large hall into being part
of the garden. 135 00:07:47,765 --> 00:07:49,485 I'll give you a hand.
It's getting heavier. 136 00:07:49,565 --> 00:07:50,405 It is. Yeah. 137 00:07:50,485 --> 00:07:54,365 I mean, this is absolutely glorious,
what happens to this. 138 00:07:54,445 --> 00:07:58,045 I mean, that completely alters
this entire space. 139 00:07:58,125 --> 00:08:00,165 It's really weird, actually,
thinking about it. 140 00:08:00,245 --> 00:08:02,685 You come in, and in a way,
if you walked in and this was open, 141 00:08:02,765 --> 00:08:05,125 it would be like being in a house
that's made out of one wall. 142 00:08:05,205 --> 00:08:07,005 -That's right.
-The far wall is actually 143 00:08:07,085 --> 00:08:09,045 -the other side of the house.
-That's right. 144 00:08:09,125 --> 00:08:10,725 That's how, I think, it's been designed. 145 00:08:10,805 --> 00:08:13,445 The boundary wall is the outside wall 146 00:08:13,525 --> 00:08:16,485 and everything in it is
just movable screen or furniture. 147 00:08:16,645 --> 00:08:18,245 Talk about using your plot. 148 00:08:18,325 --> 00:08:21,405 Now, there are no bedrooms here,
so I think we probably have to head... 149 00:08:22,005 --> 00:08:23,565 -Down?
-Or up? 150 00:08:24,325 --> 00:08:25,245 -Or both.
-Or both. 151 00:08:27,085 --> 00:08:28,405 Pretty staircase. 152 00:08:33,285 --> 00:08:37,085 Wow, it's so different downstairs
and so dark. 153 00:08:37,885 --> 00:08:39,085 So textured. 154 00:08:40,445 --> 00:08:44,565 [Piers] The moonscape wall changes
the tone from the airy upper floors 155 00:08:44,645 --> 00:08:45,725 and draws you in. 156 00:08:46,165 --> 00:08:50,045 The subdued lighting
and dark furnishings are in stark contrast 157 00:08:50,125 --> 00:08:51,445 to the rest of the house. 158 00:08:52,205 --> 00:08:55,365 This is the sort of room
that most blokes would fantasize about. 159 00:08:55,445 --> 00:08:56,325 A bar, 160 00:08:57,645 --> 00:09:00,605 and a huge screen to watch football. 161 00:09:01,645 --> 00:09:03,725 While Piers is trying to find the remote, 162 00:09:04,085 --> 00:09:06,205 I'm seeing
what the top floor has to offer. 163 00:09:07,765 --> 00:09:10,405 I'm guessing this is the master bedroom. 164 00:09:14,365 --> 00:09:16,365 [exhales in wonder] 165 00:09:17,645 --> 00:09:20,485 This is one seriously glamorous boudoir. 166 00:09:27,405 --> 00:09:30,925 Quite a smart bathroom as well.
Fantastic walls! 167 00:09:31,005 --> 00:09:33,325 Beautiful, beautiful stone walls. 168 00:09:37,045 --> 00:09:38,565 Biggest showerhead in Israel. 169 00:09:39,765 --> 00:09:41,085 Possibly the world. 170 00:09:42,925 --> 00:09:44,725 Massive bath. 171 00:09:46,765 --> 00:09:47,805 Lady in a hurry. 172 00:09:49,165 --> 00:09:51,525 [C] Ossi and Steve are living the dream. 173 00:09:52,885 --> 00:09:56,645 [P] I want to ask architect Pitsou Kedem
how they began this project. 174 00:09:57,365 --> 00:09:59,325 Well, when you design private houses, 175 00:09:59,405 --> 00:10:01,445 it's all about drawing
a portrait of your client. 176 00:10:01,525 --> 00:10:05,965 Steve lives in London, and when I ask him
what are you doing for a living, 177 00:10:06,445 --> 00:10:08,765 He said, "I'm a sitter. I like to sit. 178 00:10:09,525 --> 00:10:12,005 Sometimes I like to sit
next to the swimming pool, 179 00:10:12,085 --> 00:10:14,325 sometimes I like to sit
next to my fireplace." 180 00:10:14,445 --> 00:10:17,485 He's a sitter. OK? So that's, in a way... 181 00:10:18,045 --> 00:10:20,845 Ossi's the dynamic shapes
and the movement in the house. 182 00:10:20,925 --> 00:10:24,325 So it's kind of drawing a portrait
of different persons. 183 00:10:24,405 --> 00:10:25,845 What did Ossi ask you for? 184 00:10:26,285 --> 00:10:28,805 Well, she said, you know,
"Let's have fun." 185 00:10:28,885 --> 00:10:30,365 And then she brought all the color, 186 00:10:30,445 --> 00:10:33,405 I mean, in a way, I think she brought
the courage to the house. 187 00:10:33,485 --> 00:10:38,045 I drive them all mad. I drive Pitsou mad,
Steve mad I want it my way, 188 00:10:38,125 --> 00:10:41,045 I want to do, like,
things that have personality, 189 00:10:41,125 --> 00:10:42,085 that have meaning. 190 00:10:42,445 --> 00:10:45,565 This wall, in particular, I adore. 191 00:10:45,645 --> 00:10:48,885 [Ossi] I really, really love natural stone
and texture. 192 00:10:48,965 --> 00:10:51,285 I love, like, when you go
you can touch the walls, 193 00:10:51,565 --> 00:10:55,205 it just gives a bit
of more interesting way for the house. 194 00:10:59,045 --> 00:11:02,365 [Caroline] Ossi's attention to detail
has created a lavish finish. 195 00:11:02,645 --> 00:11:05,845 The use of rich texture
and vibrant materials, 196 00:11:05,925 --> 00:11:10,605 and not the stark minimalist language
you'd expect within a modernist shell. 197 00:11:11,045 --> 00:11:15,045 But here, the aesthetic brings life
and warmth to the interiors. 198 00:11:16,525 --> 00:11:19,045 [Piers]
Great architecture often looks effortless, 199 00:11:19,125 --> 00:11:21,685 but creating a home like this
is never easy. 200 00:11:22,005 --> 00:11:24,765 It took four years to design and build. 201 00:11:26,965 --> 00:11:29,565 What do you think the biggest challenge
for you was here? 202 00:11:30,405 --> 00:11:33,485 Well, I think the biggest challenge was
how can we mix 203 00:11:33,565 --> 00:11:34,925 between garden and house? 204 00:11:35,005 --> 00:11:39,005 How can we really ignore the boundary
between interior and exterior? 205 00:11:39,085 --> 00:11:42,845 And I think, for me, we started the design
from the edge of the plot itself. 206 00:11:43,325 --> 00:11:47,165 It's almost like all the second floor is
floating in the air 207 00:11:47,245 --> 00:11:49,485 and those windows, with the inner column, 208 00:11:49,765 --> 00:11:50,965 they don't really exist. 209 00:11:51,045 --> 00:11:52,485 I mean you can open the windows, 210 00:11:52,565 --> 00:11:55,165 then you can really feel that you live
in and outside together. 211 00:11:55,285 --> 00:11:57,725 And also because you've taken
water inside. 212 00:11:57,805 --> 00:11:58,645 Yeah. 213 00:12:00,005 --> 00:12:02,725 [Piers] There's surprisingly little
obvious structure 214 00:12:02,805 --> 00:12:04,685 supporting the weight of the floors above, 215 00:12:04,765 --> 00:12:06,645 and the design team have worked hard 216 00:12:06,725 --> 00:12:09,245 to keep the structure
to an absolute minimum. 217 00:12:12,725 --> 00:12:16,765 There's a real integration of architecture
and engineering in this house. 218 00:12:17,205 --> 00:12:20,445 There are columns sunk
into extra deep foundations, 219 00:12:20,525 --> 00:12:22,485 which then support a network of beams 220 00:12:22,565 --> 00:12:26,165 which are cleverly hidden
in the floors and interior walls. 221 00:12:26,245 --> 00:12:30,125 A lot of effort has gone into making
J House feel light and airy. 222 00:12:33,925 --> 00:12:36,365 -[C] Oh, yeah. Now this is a lovely spot.
-[Ossi] Yeah. 223 00:12:36,445 --> 00:12:40,325 This is the place when you want
to chill out, to relax, 224 00:12:41,085 --> 00:12:44,885 which we come here, and I'll show you
the right way of doing it. 225 00:12:45,045 --> 00:12:46,245 -Yeah.
-So you sit down, 226 00:12:46,325 --> 00:12:48,045 -and put your coffee away,
-OK. 227 00:12:48,485 --> 00:12:50,325 -your legs up.
-Yes. 228 00:12:51,565 --> 00:12:53,885 -Just close your eyes for two seconds.
-OK. 229 00:12:53,965 --> 00:12:55,965 Listen to the water and the birds. 230 00:12:58,285 --> 00:13:00,165 Ossi, it's fantastic. 231 00:13:01,205 --> 00:13:04,885 When I open my eyes, I think I've got
one of the best views in the whole house. 232 00:13:04,965 --> 00:13:08,925 I've got the foliage of the tree
and the bright blue of the sky 233 00:13:09,005 --> 00:13:12,725 and then that splash of evening sunlight
on the wall 234 00:13:12,805 --> 00:13:15,965 with just the dancing shadows
of the leaves. 235 00:13:16,045 --> 00:13:18,165 It's a wonderful place to sit, isn't it? 236 00:13:18,565 --> 00:13:21,325 Yeah, it's definitely my favorite part. 237 00:13:21,405 --> 00:13:24,725 It's so casual, easy, 238 00:13:24,805 --> 00:13:27,285 it makes you relax and open your heart. 239 00:13:27,365 --> 00:13:31,085 So this is where all our conversations
with our kids happening. 240 00:13:31,165 --> 00:13:33,525 Decisions of the house.
All this happening here. 241 00:13:33,765 --> 00:13:36,045 [Caroline] It's a house with everything,
really, isn't it? 242 00:13:36,125 --> 00:13:38,125 And it looks after the people you love. 243 00:13:38,725 --> 00:13:41,445 [Ossi] Yeah, I think the house somehow
like cuddling all, 244 00:13:41,525 --> 00:13:45,365 I feel like the house is cuddling
of everything that happens in this family. 245 00:13:45,685 --> 00:13:47,645 [Caroline] I love the cuddling house! 246 00:13:47,765 --> 00:13:49,765 It's sort of like cuddling. 247 00:13:49,845 --> 00:13:52,765 It is! I love it!
And then wrap its arms around you! 248 00:13:54,245 --> 00:13:56,445 -I'm never getting up from here.
-Me neither. 249 00:13:56,525 --> 00:13:59,365 -So comfortable.
-I told you to bring a bottle of wine. 250 00:13:59,445 --> 00:14:02,125 If I had a glass of wine,
I probably would never leave. 251 00:14:02,205 --> 00:14:03,605 It's just heaven! 252 00:14:04,725 --> 00:14:09,485 After four years of meticulous planning,
building, and plenty of passion, 253 00:14:09,845 --> 00:14:13,205 Ossi and Steve finally have
the house they dreamed of. 254 00:14:13,645 --> 00:14:16,245 Now, they can sit back and enjoy it. 255 00:14:21,925 --> 00:14:25,845 [P] To visit our next home, we're leaving
the salubrious suburbs behind 256 00:14:25,925 --> 00:14:28,205 and heading into the heart
of the Holy Land. 257 00:14:30,885 --> 00:14:33,485 This landscape's suddenly become
really biblical, have you noticed? 258 00:14:33,565 --> 00:14:34,405 Yeah. 259 00:14:35,445 --> 00:14:37,485 [Piers] We're bound for the rural north, 260 00:14:37,565 --> 00:14:40,885 where the earliest stone houses
in the world have been discovered. 261 00:14:44,205 --> 00:14:47,325 [Caroline] Our next architectural treasure
is built high on the slopes 262 00:14:47,405 --> 00:14:48,925 of the Jordan Rift Valley 263 00:14:49,045 --> 00:14:52,045 and gazes down
on the sacred Sea of Galilee. 264 00:14:52,565 --> 00:14:53,725 Going down now. 265 00:14:55,365 --> 00:14:59,205 [Caroline] The sea is actually
the largest freshwater lake in Israel. 266 00:14:59,485 --> 00:15:02,965 And it's these azure views
that inspired a local family 267 00:15:03,045 --> 00:15:05,245 to snap up a building plot
on the outskirts 268 00:15:05,325 --> 00:15:06,925 of their agricultural village, 269 00:15:07,845 --> 00:15:10,485 where we've had to resort
to Shanks's pony. 270 00:15:13,165 --> 00:15:16,205 I like this piece of land,
but it's quite rocky. 271 00:15:19,645 --> 00:15:22,845 -[P] There it is. And wow, look! I mean...
-[C] Look at this! Oh, wow! 272 00:15:22,925 --> 00:15:24,685 Look at the color of it, 273 00:15:25,045 --> 00:15:26,925 compared to the color of this limestone. 274 00:15:27,645 --> 00:15:28,725 I mean, it's perfect. 275 00:15:29,805 --> 00:15:33,325 [Caroline] This is a house
that truly inhabits the landscape. 276 00:15:33,845 --> 00:15:35,845 There's something enigmatic
about it, 277 00:15:35,965 --> 00:15:38,685 as if it's waiting for you
to peel back those shutters 278 00:15:38,765 --> 00:15:40,405 to reveal what's inside. 279 00:15:44,965 --> 00:15:47,245 -[Caroline] Time to go in.
-[Piers] Very much so. 280 00:15:48,485 --> 00:15:50,165 [Caroline] But what's inside? 281 00:15:51,165 --> 00:15:53,045 -[Piers] A secret box.
-[Caroline] Oh! 282 00:15:54,085 --> 00:15:56,445 [Piers] Feels almost religious, this. 283 00:15:56,525 --> 00:15:58,685 -Like a chapel, like a cloister.
-Yes! 284 00:15:59,405 --> 00:16:03,605 Look at the light, Piers! It's magical,
the way it's bouncing off the floor! 285 00:16:11,565 --> 00:16:14,685 [Piers] This house is beautifully crafted
and understated. 286 00:16:14,965 --> 00:16:16,805 There is real simplicity here. 287 00:16:17,485 --> 00:16:20,485 The subtle use of colors
and materials integrate the house 288 00:16:20,565 --> 00:16:24,845 into its pastoral surroundings,
while its passive design keeps it cool 289 00:16:25,085 --> 00:16:27,445 even in the 40 degree summer sun. 290 00:16:29,685 --> 00:16:32,565 [Caroline] Those screens just work
absolutely brilliantly. 291 00:16:33,245 --> 00:16:36,525 [P] This is a really ancient way of making
buildings in this part of the world. 292 00:16:36,605 --> 00:16:39,445 These screens that filter the light,
filter the heat, 293 00:16:39,525 --> 00:16:43,805 and make it beautiful, subtly lit,
cool interior. 294 00:16:44,685 --> 00:16:45,965 Shall we open this a bit more? 295 00:16:52,405 --> 00:16:55,045 You know, it's a pretty good space
to be in. You've got the sun, 296 00:16:55,565 --> 00:16:56,525 you've got shade... 297 00:16:56,685 --> 00:16:59,005 Piers Taylor standing,
talking to you about architecture. 298 00:16:59,685 --> 00:17:05,005 [C] We are very close to where Jesus
preached one of his greatest sermons 299 00:17:05,125 --> 00:17:10,245 to the masses. I want you, Piers Taylor,
to give me a sermon on architecture. 300 00:17:10,605 --> 00:17:11,805 Convert me. 301 00:17:11,885 --> 00:17:15,645 Well, my top point would be,
in this part of the world, 302 00:17:15,765 --> 00:17:18,685 deal with heat, light, and air, 303 00:17:19,165 --> 00:17:21,405 in the most economical possible way. 304 00:17:21,485 --> 00:17:23,245 And this house does it beautifully. 305 00:17:23,485 --> 00:17:26,325 Just simple, passive means of filtering 306 00:17:26,405 --> 00:17:28,005 heat and light and wind, 307 00:17:28,085 --> 00:17:31,845 and look, the whole house benefits
from this simple move 308 00:17:31,925 --> 00:17:33,645 and you're benefiting from it now. 309 00:17:34,005 --> 00:17:36,685 I'm converted and oh, so comfortable. 310 00:17:41,165 --> 00:17:44,165 [Piers] This entrance veranda is
a key aspect of the house. 311 00:17:44,405 --> 00:17:47,845 It acts as a breezeway, a space between
the shutters and the glass, 312 00:17:47,925 --> 00:17:50,965 which cools the air
before it enters inside. 313 00:17:52,965 --> 00:17:57,445 This breezeway opens up to a large,
open-plan kitchen, diner, living room, 314 00:17:57,805 --> 00:18:00,605 an en-suite guest room, and a utility. 315 00:18:02,645 --> 00:18:06,405 Upstairs, there's a main bedroom,
two bedrooms for the children, 316 00:18:06,605 --> 00:18:10,845 and a comfortable family sitting area
which leads onto a generous balcony. 317 00:18:12,285 --> 00:18:15,965 [Caroline] Like the ground floor,
upstairs is bathed in gentle light. 318 00:18:16,405 --> 00:18:20,485 The unassuming rooms never distract
from the beauty of the landscape. 319 00:18:21,085 --> 00:18:24,925 The house is permeated
with fresh air drifting up from the sea. 320 00:18:26,245 --> 00:18:30,125 This gentle, simple home is rooted
in its environment. 321 00:18:31,165 --> 00:18:34,885 The couple who live here have
a young family, 322 00:18:35,925 --> 00:18:40,005 and I think this is just the most charming
little girl's bedroom. 323 00:18:40,365 --> 00:18:43,645 It's really simple. Really quiet. 324 00:18:44,885 --> 00:18:46,085 And it also has... 325 00:18:49,805 --> 00:18:52,125 its own miniature version 326 00:18:53,245 --> 00:18:55,405 of all the other shutters in the house. 327 00:18:58,765 --> 00:19:01,485 [Piers] Every bedroom
has a window out on this world. 328 00:19:02,125 --> 00:19:05,125 And in this climate, the south-facing ones
in particular 329 00:19:05,205 --> 00:19:08,645 benefit from an indigenous feature
to help them keep cool. 330 00:19:11,565 --> 00:19:14,325 There's something about the proportion
of an opening like this 331 00:19:14,405 --> 00:19:16,245 that makes sense in this climate. 332 00:19:16,325 --> 00:19:20,285 The heat is usually so extreme,
the light is so extreme 333 00:19:20,885 --> 00:19:24,245 that a smaller opening,
with a pair of doors that you can shut, 334 00:19:24,485 --> 00:19:27,045 a between space that keeps the heat out, 335 00:19:27,285 --> 00:19:30,245 and then a screen that deals with light. 336 00:19:32,565 --> 00:19:34,445 It's timeless and perfect. 337 00:19:42,205 --> 00:19:44,445 One of the things I really love
about these shutters... 338 00:19:45,965 --> 00:19:50,565 is that they're almost industrial
or rural. 339 00:19:50,645 --> 00:19:53,845 They're like they're part
of this countryside, really, 340 00:19:53,925 --> 00:19:59,045 because they could easily be
on a cow barn or in a cattle shed. 341 00:19:59,205 --> 00:20:01,565 There's nothing remotely pretentious
about them. 342 00:20:02,605 --> 00:20:03,845 They just do their job. 343 00:20:05,605 --> 00:20:08,885 In a really simple and beautiful way. 344 00:20:11,245 --> 00:20:14,365 [C] This lovely house was designed
by husband and wife, 345 00:20:14,445 --> 00:20:17,445 acclaimed architects
Galit and Yaron Golany. 346 00:20:18,845 --> 00:20:20,765 What starting point did you have? 347 00:20:20,845 --> 00:20:24,205 I mean, because it does have the most,
I mean probably, 348 00:20:24,285 --> 00:20:27,005 one of the most extraordinary views
in the world, actually. 349 00:20:27,085 --> 00:20:29,605 Was that quite a daunting thing
for an architect? 350 00:20:30,285 --> 00:20:32,285 More than that, it was a privilege. 351 00:20:32,365 --> 00:20:34,885 It just dictated all of the design 352 00:20:34,965 --> 00:20:37,325 and the fact that we wanted to open 353 00:20:37,605 --> 00:20:39,285 to the south and the east 354 00:20:39,365 --> 00:20:42,685 to really engage
with this ancient landscape. 355 00:20:44,125 --> 00:20:47,685 [C] To guarantee the sweeping views,
the house had to face south, 356 00:20:48,085 --> 00:20:50,325 directly into the searing sun, 357 00:20:50,725 --> 00:20:52,845 which in turn pushed Galit and Yaron 358 00:20:52,925 --> 00:20:55,885 to create a distinctive look
with balconies, 359 00:20:55,965 --> 00:20:58,845 breezeways, and of course, the shutters. 360 00:21:00,485 --> 00:21:02,965 Were there any challenges with the build? 361 00:21:03,045 --> 00:21:05,565 Anything that you came up against
that was difficult to deal with? 362 00:21:05,645 --> 00:21:06,845 Yes. The budget. 363 00:21:06,925 --> 00:21:08,485 [both laugh] 364 00:21:08,565 --> 00:21:11,165 If you have less money,
you must work harder. 365 00:21:11,245 --> 00:21:15,245 I think that's right. I do, and I think,
with your house here, 366 00:21:16,085 --> 00:21:17,405 that's what we sense. 367 00:21:17,805 --> 00:21:20,685 The effort and the thought
that's gone into those details. 368 00:21:21,125 --> 00:21:22,805 But for us, as visitors to the house, 369 00:21:22,925 --> 00:21:25,565 that's one of the magical things
about the house, I think. 370 00:21:25,685 --> 00:21:27,285 -Thank you.
-Thank you. 371 00:21:32,765 --> 00:21:35,965 [Piers] In an age of environmental
awareness, there's a tendency 372 00:21:36,045 --> 00:21:39,365 to think that you need high-tech methods
to deal with climate, 373 00:21:39,925 --> 00:21:43,405 particularly in a place like this,
which gets baking hot. 374 00:21:43,485 --> 00:21:47,205 I mean, it's 40-odd degrees here
for much of the year. 375 00:21:47,645 --> 00:21:51,445 The question is how do you make
usable living spaces 376 00:21:51,525 --> 00:21:53,285 when you've got that kind of climate? 377 00:21:53,365 --> 00:21:55,645 And what you do is
what this house has done. 378 00:21:55,725 --> 00:22:01,045 You take almost half the depth
of the floor plan is given over 379 00:22:01,125 --> 00:22:03,885 to a breezeway that exists through here. 380 00:22:03,965 --> 00:22:07,045 And effectively, what this breezeway does
is act as a buffer 381 00:22:07,125 --> 00:22:09,965 from the heat, and moderates the light, 382 00:22:10,045 --> 00:22:12,325 moderates the heat
and everything else between. 383 00:22:12,405 --> 00:22:14,365 And then the bulk of the heat, 384 00:22:14,445 --> 00:22:17,725 the bulk of the harsh light are filtered
by this screen 385 00:22:18,125 --> 00:22:23,965 and that then allows this to be a usable,
shaded space. 386 00:22:24,045 --> 00:22:27,125 And they make it
into something of real beauty. 387 00:22:31,925 --> 00:22:34,685 You can see why the owners wanted
to build a house here. 388 00:22:34,925 --> 00:22:37,285 But they weren't the first people
to think of this place 389 00:22:37,365 --> 00:22:39,365 as a really desirable location. 390 00:22:41,165 --> 00:22:44,605 [Caroline]
Out there, they have discovered evidence 391 00:22:44,685 --> 00:22:49,165 of human habitation from as long ago
as 14,000 years. 392 00:22:49,245 --> 00:22:52,405 [Piers] But what's brilliant is they did
the same things then that they do now. 393 00:22:52,485 --> 00:22:55,885 They take the stuff of the ground
and they make it into poetry. 394 00:23:03,765 --> 00:23:05,845 [Caroline] This property is poetic. 395 00:23:06,725 --> 00:23:10,805 It's a simple, ingenious,
extraordinary family home. 396 00:23:20,245 --> 00:23:24,325 For our third house, we've come
to the holy city of Jerusalem. 397 00:23:25,125 --> 00:23:26,325 Piers, Piers. 398 00:23:26,405 --> 00:23:28,725 Look at the gold, the shining gold,
on top of the... 399 00:23:28,805 --> 00:23:29,645 [Piers] Wow. 400 00:23:29,725 --> 00:23:33,045 [Caroline] Yeah. That's the Garden
of Gethsemane surrounding it, 401 00:23:33,205 --> 00:23:34,805 all those cypress trees. 402 00:23:35,965 --> 00:23:37,405 That's actually mind-blowing. 403 00:23:38,245 --> 00:23:42,365 Dating back 6,000 years, Jerusalem is
one of the oldest 404 00:23:42,445 --> 00:23:44,925 and most fought-over cities in the world. 405 00:23:45,245 --> 00:23:48,005 Today, it's still a place of pilgrimage, 406 00:23:48,085 --> 00:23:52,005 where Muslims, Jews, and Christians come
to worship at sites 407 00:23:52,085 --> 00:23:55,005 connected with the very foundation
of their faith. 408 00:23:55,805 --> 00:23:58,885 [Piers] With its distinctive
Jerusalem stone buildings, 409 00:23:58,965 --> 00:24:00,805 some dating back thousands of  years, 410 00:24:00,965 --> 00:24:03,165 this city is like nowhere else. 411 00:24:03,525 --> 00:24:07,245 [Caroline] Look at Jerusalem,
spread out beneath us! 412 00:24:07,325 --> 00:24:10,805 And what's amazing is to see
all the spires, the minarets, 413 00:24:10,885 --> 00:24:15,085 the mosques on the skyline,
all jockeying for position. 414 00:24:15,205 --> 00:24:17,565 I mean, look at the buildings.
I mean they're... 415 00:24:18,205 --> 00:24:22,245 all completely different from one another,
all equally beautiful. 416 00:24:23,085 --> 00:24:25,205 Highly decorative, incredibly simple. 417 00:24:25,525 --> 00:24:28,045 I mean, you couldn't get
a more diverse range of buildings. 418 00:24:30,485 --> 00:24:35,325 [C] Whatever is built here must be made
with the characteristic local limestone. 419 00:24:35,685 --> 00:24:38,325 It's a law dating back 100 years 420 00:24:38,765 --> 00:24:42,845 to protect and preserve
the aesthetic of this ancient city. 421 00:24:43,685 --> 00:24:46,725 The owners of our next house
found a place to build 422 00:24:46,805 --> 00:24:49,805 in one of Jerusalem's
most desirable neighborhoods 423 00:24:50,045 --> 00:24:54,205 and then bravely gave their architects
carte blanche with the design. 424 00:24:55,605 --> 00:24:57,965 This one, I think. That's the modern one. 425 00:24:58,845 --> 00:25:00,405 [Piers] Yes, it has a textured gate. 426 00:25:00,685 --> 00:25:01,525 Right. 427 00:25:02,485 --> 00:25:06,045 Now, the owners aren't here,
so I'm gonna do this code. Two-- 428 00:25:06,485 --> 00:25:07,885 Ooh. You could just do that. 429 00:25:11,805 --> 00:25:13,125 [Caroline] It's beautiful. 430 00:25:21,565 --> 00:25:24,685 [Caroline] The architects have built
a four-bedroom family home 431 00:25:24,765 --> 00:25:27,525 that certainly showcases
that Jerusalem stone. 432 00:25:29,125 --> 00:25:33,845 The fascinating facade catches the light
and throws intriguing shadows, 433 00:25:34,245 --> 00:25:38,525 creating an ever-changing surface
as the sun moves through the sky. 434 00:25:44,845 --> 00:25:47,845 [Caroline] The stone gets more interesting
the closer you get. 435 00:25:47,925 --> 00:25:49,885 That's the test of a good building,
in a way. 436 00:25:49,965 --> 00:25:51,805 The closer you get,
it gets more interesting. 437 00:25:56,285 --> 00:25:57,125 We're in. 438 00:25:57,365 --> 00:26:02,085 We are in. My magic key has brought
us into this lovely room. 439 00:26:02,685 --> 00:26:04,565 Wow, it's so glossy. 440 00:26:05,045 --> 00:26:09,325 The furniture, the lights,
everything is white, shiny and glossy. 441 00:26:09,405 --> 00:26:12,485 It really is. It's like walking
into some sort of Powell Pressburger 442 00:26:12,565 --> 00:26:15,925 version of heaven, isn't it?
It's extraordinary. 443 00:26:18,685 --> 00:26:22,165 [Piers] The highly polished floors
and surfaces contrast perfectly 444 00:26:22,245 --> 00:26:24,245 with the rough textured exterior, 445 00:26:24,445 --> 00:26:27,205 and they also reflect it,
bringing the outside in. 446 00:26:29,405 --> 00:26:32,205 And just when you think
the outside can't get any closer... 447 00:26:32,365 --> 00:26:35,565 Look, Piers.
This is clearly what it's all about. 448 00:26:35,845 --> 00:26:38,805 -It's all about the rock.
-It's all about the rock. 449 00:26:44,445 --> 00:26:47,805 [Piers] The architects have left
the ancient limestone cliff exposed 450 00:26:47,885 --> 00:26:51,405 as a bold counterpoint
to the super-smooth interiors. 451 00:26:53,125 --> 00:26:55,205 [Caroline] This is fantastic, isn't it? 452 00:26:55,285 --> 00:26:59,565 It's great to see the rock face left
in its almost virgin state. 453 00:26:59,645 --> 00:27:01,405 I mean, that's what they've done,
isn't it? 454 00:27:01,485 --> 00:27:04,125 They've obviously seen that and thought,
let's not dig it out. 455 00:27:04,205 --> 00:27:06,285 Clearly, most people excavate right back. 456 00:27:06,805 --> 00:27:09,725 Well, land is so valuable in cities
that people press buildings 457 00:27:09,805 --> 00:27:12,165 right up against it
and use every inch of space. 458 00:27:12,565 --> 00:27:16,125 But here, they've left it for a breezeway.
It is really cool here. 459 00:27:16,325 --> 00:27:18,445 It's actually a really lovely place to be. 460 00:27:18,605 --> 00:27:19,925 -Isn't it?
-It's really lovely. 461 00:27:20,005 --> 00:27:21,885 [C] It's like a private garden space. 462 00:27:22,125 --> 00:27:26,445 It's sort of not at all what I expected
Jerusalem to have somehow. 463 00:27:26,605 --> 00:27:30,005 It's much wilder, and the rest
of the city is quite formal, isn't it? 464 00:27:30,125 --> 00:27:32,645 And this is just,
well it's a bit bonkers, frankly. 465 00:27:34,845 --> 00:27:39,965 [P] To construct this 4-storey building,
77 tons of rock had to be excavated. 466 00:27:41,125 --> 00:27:45,365 The lower basement houses a garage,
above which there's a large games room. 467 00:27:46,645 --> 00:27:49,405 The ground floor of the house
sits one and a half meters 468 00:27:49,485 --> 00:27:53,165 from the exposed rock face which runs
along the living and dining rooms, 469 00:27:53,365 --> 00:27:54,645 leading onto a kitchen. 470 00:27:55,885 --> 00:27:59,605 The first floor meets the rock face,
sheltering the stone wall below. 471 00:28:00,205 --> 00:28:03,365 Upstairs,
there are four en suite bedrooms. 472 00:28:04,085 --> 00:28:08,685 Outside, the entire exterior is clad
in 5,000 stone tiles 473 00:28:08,765 --> 00:28:10,645 shaped from the excavated rock. 474 00:28:11,845 --> 00:28:14,725 It's kind of surreal in a way,
because this is so wild here, Caroline. 475 00:28:14,805 --> 00:28:15,645 Yeah. 476 00:28:15,725 --> 00:28:19,725 And yet, it's like a little David Hockney
painting outside, isn't it? 477 00:28:19,805 --> 00:28:24,765 [Caroline] I love that comedy perfection
of that citrus tree there, as well. 478 00:28:25,165 --> 00:28:28,045 Just boinging out over the swimming pool
against the blue. 479 00:28:29,245 --> 00:28:32,245 Piers, I don't know how to get upstairs--
Yes, I do. I found it. 480 00:28:34,125 --> 00:28:35,405 I wonder what's up here. 481 00:28:39,565 --> 00:28:42,405 Suddenly, we're almost outdoors again, 482 00:28:42,485 --> 00:28:46,285 because here in a pot,
and only in Israel would you find this, 483 00:28:46,365 --> 00:28:49,405 there is a potted kumquat tree. 484 00:28:50,045 --> 00:28:51,365 Makes fantastic marmalade. 485 00:28:54,725 --> 00:28:56,365 This is a wonderful room, 486 00:28:57,005 --> 00:29:00,085 because not only have you got
the double aspect, 487 00:29:00,645 --> 00:29:01,885 but from this side, 488 00:29:03,165 --> 00:29:06,005 I can see a balcony. 489 00:29:13,045 --> 00:29:14,205 And here it is. 490 00:29:14,885 --> 00:29:16,685 The real star of the show. 491 00:29:17,485 --> 00:29:19,165 The city of Jerusalem. 492 00:29:22,805 --> 00:29:25,285 What's really clear, standing up here, 493 00:29:25,525 --> 00:29:28,805 is the juxtaposition of this modern stone, 494 00:29:28,885 --> 00:29:32,005 these rectangles,
where the light plays so beautifully. 495 00:29:32,085 --> 00:29:34,965 But when I cast my eye down there,
I see the more ancient, 496 00:29:35,045 --> 00:29:39,565 the older Jerusalem stone,
which is rougher hewn, hand cut. 497 00:29:39,765 --> 00:29:42,365 And it's just fantastic
that these modern buildings 498 00:29:42,485 --> 00:29:46,645 and the ancient buildings are all made
from exactly the same stuff. 499 00:29:48,725 --> 00:29:51,485 [Piers] Barud House gets its name
from the warning call 500 00:29:51,565 --> 00:29:54,245 shouted before Jerusalem rock is exploded. 501 00:29:54,685 --> 00:29:57,005 And it's fascinating the way
that this building honors 502 00:29:57,085 --> 00:29:59,725 this hallowed stone in all its forms. 503 00:29:59,805 --> 00:30:02,645 It's almost as though
a sculptor has been at work, 504 00:30:02,725 --> 00:30:05,485 taking the raw material and shaping it. 505 00:30:06,885 --> 00:30:10,725 Typically, material is always subservient
to form and space, 506 00:30:10,805 --> 00:30:13,445 so the thing that you remember is
never the material. 507 00:30:13,925 --> 00:30:15,925 But this house inverts that 508 00:30:16,005 --> 00:30:20,445 and it's the material that I read
much more strongly than anything else. 509 00:30:21,565 --> 00:30:25,125 Having said that,
the spaces here are pretty good, too. 510 00:30:26,765 --> 00:30:28,645 Working out the dimensions of this house 511 00:30:28,725 --> 00:30:30,685 was a mathematical challenge. 512 00:30:31,325 --> 00:30:33,725 The architects designed the building
around multiples 513 00:30:33,805 --> 00:30:37,085 of the 53x25 cm stone blocks 514 00:30:37,205 --> 00:30:39,165 in order that none were cut. 515 00:30:40,645 --> 00:30:43,685 The result is a perfectly resolved
geometric puzzle. 516 00:30:45,565 --> 00:30:48,525 The architects
behind this almost Rubik's Cube 517 00:30:48,605 --> 00:30:52,285 of a house are husband and wife
Paritzki and Liani. 518 00:30:53,765 --> 00:30:56,685 So when you were here nine years ago
and you walked around, 519 00:30:56,765 --> 00:30:59,725 did you know immediately
how you wanted to treat the rock? 520 00:31:01,005 --> 00:31:05,045 Yes, the impression that we received
when we arrived here was 521 00:31:05,125 --> 00:31:08,245 very strong because this raw rock was
very beautiful 522 00:31:08,325 --> 00:31:10,805 and the presence, it's very important, 523 00:31:10,885 --> 00:31:13,885 especially in a symbolic way
for this city. 524 00:31:14,165 --> 00:31:20,965 The big idea about the rock face,
keeping it, and then using stone 525 00:31:21,045 --> 00:31:24,365 with a deep relief,
how did you present that to your client? 526 00:31:24,685 --> 00:31:27,685 The owners are religious,
so there was a nice dialogue with us 527 00:31:27,765 --> 00:31:30,565 that we don't know many of the rules,
but for example, 528 00:31:30,645 --> 00:31:32,325 that we couldn't use paintings, 529 00:31:32,405 --> 00:31:35,925 and that's why we said that, you know,
the main painting of the house will be 530 00:31:36,005 --> 00:31:38,485 -really this... this pattern or this rock.
-Pattern. 531 00:31:39,005 --> 00:31:42,565 That's incredibly interesting. I mean,
they have no art, is that right? 532 00:31:42,645 --> 00:31:44,685 -No. Not allowed.
-No, they're not allowed to put art. 533 00:31:44,765 --> 00:31:50,725 So the building in a way had to take
the place of artwork. 534 00:31:51,285 --> 00:31:52,805 In a way, you're right. 535 00:31:52,885 --> 00:31:56,205 It's like an installation, in a way. 536 00:31:57,965 --> 00:32:02,085 [Caroline] This impressive facade
might be an architect's flight of fancy, 537 00:32:02,165 --> 00:32:04,285 but this is a practical family home. 538 00:32:05,045 --> 00:32:08,685 A generous courtyard with a pool
favors outdoor living. 539 00:32:10,405 --> 00:32:15,805 And inside, the use of glass
for the walls creates a sense of space, 540 00:32:16,045 --> 00:32:18,965 which remains cool,
thanks to that rocky breezeway. 541 00:32:20,485 --> 00:32:24,765 Upstairs, the teenagers' bedrooms
can be accessed separately, 542 00:32:25,045 --> 00:32:28,925 allowing them independence,
and their parents some peace and quiet. 543 00:32:40,605 --> 00:32:42,805 Jerusalem doesn't have a cohesiveness 544 00:32:42,885 --> 00:32:46,325 that allows you to read it
at first glance. 545 00:32:46,405 --> 00:32:49,205 You know, it's always been
groups of people jostling in 546 00:32:49,285 --> 00:32:51,645 and making it their own
and making a stake on it. 547 00:32:51,885 --> 00:32:57,205 Well I think what does make it cohesive is
this use of the Jerusalem rock 548 00:32:57,685 --> 00:33:00,365 and I think
that's one of the most spellbinding things 549 00:33:00,445 --> 00:33:01,565 about the place. 550 00:33:01,845 --> 00:33:04,165 And of course it's true
of this house as well. 551 00:33:04,405 --> 00:33:09,925 It is the rock that gives it
its personality and makes it so special. 552 00:33:23,645 --> 00:33:27,765 [C] For our final home, we've made our way
to the Arab village of Musmus, 553 00:33:27,845 --> 00:33:30,245 close to the occupied West Bank. 554 00:33:34,445 --> 00:33:38,205 It's very, very different from the rest
of Israel, isn't it, where we've been? 555 00:33:38,285 --> 00:33:43,285 [C] In my mind, I thought it would have
some sort of European references, 556 00:33:43,365 --> 00:33:46,085 but it doesn't feel like that to me. 557 00:33:46,165 --> 00:33:47,645 It's quite a surpirse. 558 00:33:48,645 --> 00:33:52,085 [Piers] We've been told the house
we're looking for sits on top of a hill. 559 00:33:52,165 --> 00:33:54,805 But around here,
they seem more like mountains. 560 00:33:59,525 --> 00:34:03,605 Wow! This is quite glamorous, isn't it? 561 00:34:03,925 --> 00:34:05,725 This is just beautiful! 562 00:34:05,805 --> 00:34:07,925 Look at the planting.
Look at the cypresses. 563 00:34:09,205 --> 00:34:10,525 [Piers] Should we stop here? 564 00:34:15,125 --> 00:34:16,605 The air is different up here. 565 00:34:17,445 --> 00:34:19,965 It's like we're
in a completely different land. 566 00:34:24,805 --> 00:34:26,685 [Piers]
These plants are great, aren't they? 567 00:34:26,925 --> 00:34:27,965 Smell good. 568 00:34:29,245 --> 00:34:30,685 It's absolutely wonderful. 569 00:34:38,285 --> 00:34:42,365 [Caroline] Commanding its hilltop position
is this spellbinding property. 570 00:34:45,205 --> 00:34:48,885 The challenge here was to revamp
the family's preexisting home 571 00:34:50,045 --> 00:34:53,405 by combining modernism
and Islamic architecture, 572 00:34:55,285 --> 00:34:57,605 creating three beautiful gardens. 573 00:34:57,765 --> 00:35:01,125 The owner wanted the entire space
to celebrate his Arabic heritage 574 00:35:01,645 --> 00:35:02,805 in a modern setting. 575 00:35:04,365 --> 00:35:06,565 He's kindly agreed to show us round. 576 00:35:07,445 --> 00:35:09,805 -Adnan. Caroline. Lovely to meet you.
-Hello. 577 00:35:09,885 --> 00:35:11,525 -This is Piers.
-Nice to meet you. 578 00:35:11,605 --> 00:35:12,525 Hi. Great to meet you. 579 00:35:13,005 --> 00:35:16,645 We've loved walking
in through your beautiful gardens. 580 00:35:16,725 --> 00:35:18,725 -You're welcome.
-These screens are fantastic, 581 00:35:18,805 --> 00:35:22,805 this light coming through is
really interesting and beautiful. 582 00:35:22,885 --> 00:35:24,885 I'm gonna... can I have a look
and see what's behind? 583 00:35:24,965 --> 00:35:25,845 Yeah, please. OK. 584 00:35:25,925 --> 00:35:28,765 I'd like to look at the gardens.
Can I do that? 585 00:35:29,045 --> 00:35:32,125 -Of course. Yeah. Please.
-Will you take me? Thank you very much. 586 00:35:37,005 --> 00:35:40,445 This screen is so evocative
of this part of the world. 587 00:35:40,525 --> 00:35:45,005 In Islamic culture,
the lattice screen is a really big deal. 588 00:35:46,525 --> 00:35:50,525 In the Middle East, these mashrabiya
screens have been used for centuries. 589 00:35:51,005 --> 00:35:54,205 The architects could have chosen
a traditional Islamic design, 590 00:35:54,285 --> 00:35:56,165 but they brought this one
bang up to date 591 00:35:56,245 --> 00:35:58,885 with an abstract depiction
of the pomegranate. 592 00:35:59,685 --> 00:36:03,925 An auspicious fruit in Islamic culture,
it's known as the Apple of Paradise 593 00:36:04,005 --> 00:36:06,245 and is a symbol of fertility and beauty. 594 00:36:06,925 --> 00:36:10,085 This is such a clever way
of controlling the environment 595 00:36:10,165 --> 00:36:13,085 'cause of course, this filters the light, 596 00:36:13,245 --> 00:36:16,725 it actually creates a ventilation path
for the house, 597 00:36:17,125 --> 00:36:19,885 but it shelters the house
from this burning heat. 598 00:36:21,085 --> 00:36:22,565 I'm loving what I see so far. 599 00:36:26,725 --> 00:36:28,005 The architects inherited 600 00:36:28,085 --> 00:36:31,285 a fairly traditional Arabic
four-bedroom family home. 601 00:36:32,645 --> 00:36:34,925 Their brief was to make sense
of the buildings 602 00:36:35,005 --> 00:36:38,845 that had no real coherence and create
a large Arabic entrance way 603 00:36:38,925 --> 00:36:40,485 with a sitting area above. 604 00:36:40,725 --> 00:36:44,245 And to add more living space,
a family room in the east wing 605 00:36:44,485 --> 00:36:46,965 and a formal dining area in the west wing. 606 00:36:48,445 --> 00:36:51,805 A large drawing room was created
from two small sitting rooms, 607 00:36:51,885 --> 00:36:54,285 leading out to a new outdoor terrace. 608 00:36:55,725 --> 00:36:59,005 Two new gardens
with distinctive atmospheres were created 609 00:36:59,085 --> 00:37:00,165 next to the house 610 00:37:00,245 --> 00:37:04,565 with a third large terraced garden making
the most of the steep approach. 611 00:37:09,325 --> 00:37:10,285 [door shuts] 612 00:37:10,605 --> 00:37:13,925 Two different worlds have been brought
together by the architects. 613 00:37:14,445 --> 00:37:16,645 An Islamic world steeped in tradition 614 00:37:16,885 --> 00:37:19,725 and a 21st Century sense of modernity. 615 00:37:20,445 --> 00:37:24,645 This is a liwan.
This is the type of space that's been used 616 00:37:24,725 --> 00:37:27,725 in Islamic and Persian architecture
for about 2,000 years. 617 00:37:27,965 --> 00:37:31,525 And the purpose is, of course,
to bring people in, to greet them, 618 00:37:31,685 --> 00:37:32,885 to display your wealth. 619 00:37:33,005 --> 00:37:36,845 But it has a really important role
in cooling the rest of the building, 620 00:37:36,925 --> 00:37:41,285 because all the air washes off it
and cools the whole space. 621 00:37:41,845 --> 00:37:45,925 But there is something in this space that
you wouldn't normally find in an liwan. 622 00:37:46,725 --> 00:37:49,445 This is not quite the elephant
in the room, 623 00:37:49,525 --> 00:37:51,565 but certainly something I can't ignore. 624 00:37:51,645 --> 00:37:54,845 It's a really quite sculptural staircase 625 00:37:54,925 --> 00:37:58,085 and I'm in a space that, in many ways,
could be 2,000 years old. 626 00:37:58,445 --> 00:38:02,205 But this very much anchors it
in the 21st Century. 627 00:38:04,565 --> 00:38:07,245 The simplicity of the new white additions 628 00:38:07,325 --> 00:38:09,685 combine with the lush mashrabiya screens 629 00:38:09,765 --> 00:38:13,365 to create a spacious
and almost magical atmosphere. 630 00:38:19,205 --> 00:38:23,205 [C] Adnan's family have had a home here
for almost longer than one can remember. 631 00:38:23,525 --> 00:38:27,805 His ancestors once grew olives
and grazed sheep on this hillside. 632 00:38:28,925 --> 00:38:32,005 He wanted to maintain
this family connection with the land 633 00:38:32,125 --> 00:38:35,285 by creating beautiful
outdoor living spaces. 634 00:38:36,405 --> 00:38:38,005 -Is this an Arabic garden?
-Yes. 635 00:38:38,445 --> 00:38:40,605 My grandfather lived here 636 00:38:41,405 --> 00:38:43,885 and you see the stones, 637 00:38:43,965 --> 00:38:45,765 we take from his house 638 00:38:46,085 --> 00:38:48,685 -Really? These stones?
-Yeah. Yes, these stones, 639 00:38:48,845 --> 00:38:51,085 -Oh Adnan!
-we take from his house, yes, 640 00:38:51,165 --> 00:38:56,205 and build it, like, for the gardens. 641 00:38:56,285 --> 00:38:58,245 -May I go into this garden?
-Yeah, OK. 642 00:38:58,525 --> 00:39:00,765 When you come through this archway, 643 00:39:01,725 --> 00:39:05,045 you're... I mean, it's very moving,
actually. You're almost moving 644 00:39:05,445 --> 00:39:07,845 -through part of your grandfather's house.
-Yes. 645 00:39:08,005 --> 00:39:14,565 Yes. Now I built it and make a renovation,
you know, and live here. 646 00:39:15,125 --> 00:39:19,325 It's my childhood. It's very sweet. 647 00:39:21,605 --> 00:39:24,285 [Caroline] The architect has created
an interpretation 648 00:39:24,365 --> 00:39:26,565 of an Islamic Paradise Garden. 649 00:39:27,725 --> 00:39:29,525 Flowing water representing life. 650 00:39:31,045 --> 00:39:33,045 Shady planting and seating. 651 00:39:33,445 --> 00:39:35,645 It's a place for rest and reflection. 652 00:39:36,325 --> 00:39:39,845 A reminder of the paradise that awaits
believers in heaven. 653 00:39:43,925 --> 00:39:46,485 The second garden is
a more practical affair. 654 00:39:47,085 --> 00:39:49,485 A traditional terraced Arabic bustan, 655 00:39:49,765 --> 00:39:53,405 an agricultural garden filled
with fruit trees. 656 00:39:58,165 --> 00:40:00,605 It's absolutely beautiful. 657 00:40:01,445 --> 00:40:02,285 Yeah, thank you. 658 00:40:03,485 --> 00:40:04,965 -And grapefruit!
-Yeah. 659 00:40:05,445 --> 00:40:08,125 -Can I pick one?
-Yeah. I can pick it for you. 660 00:40:08,205 --> 00:40:10,725 Can you? Thank you very much.
You've got a little more height. 661 00:40:12,445 --> 00:40:13,525 -It's beautiful.
-Yes. 662 00:40:13,605 --> 00:40:15,125 And the smell of these things, 663 00:40:15,485 --> 00:40:18,805 does it take you back to your childhood,
to when you were here with your... 664 00:40:18,885 --> 00:40:19,725 -Yes.
-Does it? 665 00:40:19,805 --> 00:40:24,485 When I walk here,
I go back with my childhood. 666 00:40:24,965 --> 00:40:26,365 A lot of things,  you know. 667 00:40:26,965 --> 00:40:31,165 You decided to build a modern house,
but with old traditional things? 668 00:40:31,245 --> 00:40:35,125 Yes, I think to build a modern house, 669 00:40:35,805 --> 00:40:37,805 and my friend is an architect. 670 00:40:38,285 --> 00:40:42,805 I called him and I asked him
if he can make a house 671 00:40:42,885 --> 00:40:46,125 who is mix the traditional of my culture 672 00:40:46,485 --> 00:40:47,725 with the modern life. 673 00:40:48,325 --> 00:40:49,845 And he say good idea. 674 00:40:50,845 --> 00:40:54,685 [Piers] The architects Ron Fleisher
and Golan Hadari had to get up to speed 675 00:40:54,765 --> 00:40:58,645 on Islamic culture in order to work
convincingly on Adnan's house. 676 00:41:00,325 --> 00:41:02,045 We're here in an Arab village, 677 00:41:02,125 --> 00:41:06,325 so we as you know coming
from Tel Aviv had to learn 678 00:41:06,485 --> 00:41:09,645 all those traditions and reinterpret them 679 00:41:09,845 --> 00:41:12,605 into architecture of the 21st Century. 680 00:41:13,205 --> 00:41:17,285 And the outside spaces feel as important
as the inside spaces, 681 00:41:17,365 --> 00:41:19,005 I mean more so, in some ways. 682 00:41:19,645 --> 00:41:23,685 Yeah, I think it connects
to the way the family lives. 683 00:41:24,045 --> 00:41:26,485 They are a big family, 684 00:41:26,565 --> 00:41:31,085 they entertain
and do family gatherings a lot. 685 00:41:31,165 --> 00:41:33,885 It's very hot during almost all the year 686 00:41:33,965 --> 00:41:37,645 and the outside atmosphere is
great all over. 687 00:41:37,725 --> 00:41:41,645 But I think the gardens are like,
you know, extra free rooms. 688 00:41:45,405 --> 00:41:49,005 [Piers] The architects have created
a unique and personal living space, 689 00:41:49,085 --> 00:41:52,045 which works well for Adnan and his family. 690 00:41:53,685 --> 00:41:57,205 From this beautiful liwan
to the light, spacious drawing room 691 00:41:57,525 --> 00:41:59,925 and those three gardens,
there's a real sense 692 00:42:00,005 --> 00:42:03,565 of the ancient being woven effortlessly
into the contemporary. 693 00:42:11,165 --> 00:42:13,845 There's something timeless
about buildings like this 694 00:42:13,925 --> 00:42:14,805 and in many ways, 695 00:42:14,885 --> 00:42:19,045 architects think that history started
in about 1930 with modernism. 696 00:42:19,565 --> 00:42:22,725 But architects working
in other cultures don't have that hangup. 697 00:42:22,805 --> 00:42:26,725 They have thousands of years
of architectural history they can draw on. 698 00:42:32,765 --> 00:42:34,925 [Caroline] The third of Adnan's gardens, 699 00:42:35,205 --> 00:42:38,365 overlooked by the dining area
to the rear of the house. 700 00:42:39,765 --> 00:42:43,565 For six months of the year,
the family spend a lot of time here. 701 00:42:44,005 --> 00:42:46,045 It's planted in Mediterranean style 702 00:42:46,765 --> 00:42:48,765 with olives, citrus, and figs. 703 00:42:50,565 --> 00:42:54,285 But the traditional Arabic influences
are never far away. 704 00:42:58,405 --> 00:42:59,765 It's really hard to believe, 705 00:42:59,845 --> 00:43:03,685 when you're in this wonderful
Arabian Nights-style garden, 706 00:43:04,045 --> 00:43:06,565 that just a few feet beyond that wall 707 00:43:06,925 --> 00:43:09,805 is the really busy,
thriving city of Musmus 708 00:43:09,885 --> 00:43:14,485 because in here, all I'm aware of is
the blue sky, the rustling of the leaves, 709 00:43:14,725 --> 00:43:18,165 the fantastic mosaics
which are all around me, 710 00:43:18,405 --> 00:43:19,965 and the sound of birdsong. 711 00:43:20,685 --> 00:43:22,045 Utterly enchanting. 712 00:43:27,405 --> 00:43:28,445 What have you been doing? 713 00:43:28,525 --> 00:43:34,725 I've just been adoring
being in this magical secret garden. 714 00:43:34,805 --> 00:43:35,805 You know what that is? 715 00:43:36,165 --> 00:43:38,445 That's the biggest grapefruit
I've ever seen. 716 00:43:38,805 --> 00:43:42,005 -No, Piers. That's a pomelo.
-Is it? 717 00:43:43,005 --> 00:43:45,165 Don't pick it, Piers.
Please don't pick it. 718 00:43:45,405 --> 00:43:48,125 That is a big-- Oh, no! 719 00:43:49,205 --> 00:43:50,045 Piers! 720 00:43:50,725 --> 00:43:51,725 Get it back on! 721 00:43:54,765 --> 00:43:56,685 -I'll just stay...
-She did it. She did it. 722 00:44:02,205 --> 00:44:05,045 He's run away
and left me holding the pomelo. 723 00:44:07,125 --> 00:44:10,205 [sound of laughter] 724 00:44:10,725 --> 00:44:13,365 [Piers] Thankfully,
it wasn't Adnan's pride and joy 725 00:44:13,445 --> 00:44:16,165 and it doesn't stop him
and his wife Haifa providing us 726 00:44:16,245 --> 00:44:18,005 with a feast before we go. 727 00:44:18,565 --> 00:44:19,405 [Adnan] Maqluba. 728 00:44:19,485 --> 00:44:21,165 [Caroline] Oh it smells so fantastic! 729 00:44:21,245 --> 00:44:22,085 This is rice? 730 00:44:22,165 --> 00:44:23,005 Maqluba. Rice. 731 00:44:23,085 --> 00:44:24,005 Maqluba? 732 00:44:24,445 --> 00:44:26,645 Maqluba is the opposite. 733 00:44:26,725 --> 00:44:28,685 This is amazing. Thank you. 734 00:44:30,005 --> 00:44:32,925 The food in Israel is the best food
in the world. 735 00:44:33,285 --> 00:44:34,605 -[C] It's wonderful.
-Yes. 736 00:44:34,685 --> 00:44:36,365 [Caroline] It's really wonderful. 737 00:44:37,285 --> 00:44:40,045 [Caroline]
All I need now is an Arabic coffee. 738 00:44:41,845 --> 00:44:47,405 I think this house has reminded me
of how in contemporary architecture, 739 00:44:47,485 --> 00:44:50,125 we think that we have 100 years of history
to play with. 740 00:44:50,565 --> 00:44:54,765 But actually we have
30,000 years of history to play with. 741 00:44:54,845 --> 00:44:57,925 -And Israel...
-What can we say about Israel? 742 00:44:58,085 --> 00:45:01,605 I don't think I could ever have expected
anything to be as culturally, 743 00:45:01,685 --> 00:45:04,805 geographically,
architecturally diverse as this. 744 00:45:05,365 --> 00:45:07,765 It's been so exciting.
Everything we've seen. 745 00:45:07,845 --> 00:45:10,045 The people we've met.
Everything we've eaten. 746 00:45:10,125 --> 00:45:13,445 It's been new and challenging
and rather thrilling. 747 00:45:40,325 --> 00:45:42,485 Subtitle translation by: Metia Bethell