Renowned British designer John Pawson brings his signature style to The Jaffa in Tel Aviv

Renowned British designer John Pawson has brought his signature minimalist style to The Jaffa, a new five-star hotel by RFR Holding in Tel Aviv, juxtaposing the building’s grand history and seamlessly blending old with new.

The project spans across a landmark 19th-century neo-Roman, former French hospital and monastery and an adjoining new building. Together with local conservationist architect Ramy Gill and a team of restoration experts, the neoclassical building was lovingly restored for over a decade, maintaining the raw untouched surfaces.

The existing façade includes outdoor corridors with arched collonades, and the plastered walls were scraped down to reveal the generations of patina that touch the building’s signage and paint patterned walls, paying homage to the building’s historic beauty.

Pawson reflects on local culture by incorporating subtle odes to traditional Middle Eastern architecture such as the Masharabiya and combining it with contemporary motifs and patterns spreading through the hotel, alongside contemporary photography by Israeli artist Tal Shochat featured in all the guest rooms.

The Pawson modernist lobby, located in the new building, features remnants of a 13th century Crusader’s bastion wall, uncovered during the excavation of the project, which contrasts with the mid-century design classics from Shiro Kuramata and Pierre Paulin and modern art by Damien Hirst.

The U shaped historical building and the new addition surround the heart of the space – a secluded, luscious courtyard enveloped under a canopy of trees that provides guests with a tranquil oasis within the bustling city, where they can enjoy either of the two restaurants or simply relax in the outdoor space.

"The Jaffa has been my longest and most personal project to date," Aby Rosen, Owner and Co-founder of RFR Holding told Material Source. "From the outset, I saw this was a unique opportunity to develop a truly remarkable hotel and residences at the heart of old Jaffa, the longest continuously inhabited city in the world, which has become one of the coolest neighbourhoods of Tel Aviv."

Aby adds: "Having previously worked with John Pawson, I know and love his approach – especially with historical projects. After purchasing the building, I asked him to bring his minimalist interpretation to the classical monastery building, his creative process has been one of the most rewarding I have been involved with.

"His sensitivity to the incredible history manifests itself in his thoughtful design, introducing new life and purpose to the building. Having brought together such a superstar team for this project, all of whom dedicated great time and effort over the years, I am sure The Jaffa will quickly become a Tel Aviv icon."