Luxury begins at the entrance

Luxury Begins at the Entrance

"From my experience," says Dorit Sadan, VP of Marketing at Shikun & Binui, "it's just as important for apartment buyers that we design the electrical circuits in the lobby efficiently, so they can reduce electricity consumption at home. They want a residents' club for birthdays and gatherings—and if possible, also a gym. In all our projects, we employ interior designers who plan every detail of these shared spaces."

One of the leading companies specializing in luxury high-rise construction is Briga Group. For example, in the B-Tower project in Netanya, residents are greeted by a grand lobby featuring massive floor-to-ceiling curtain walls that bring in natural light and greenery peeking from every corner. Inside the lobby are elegant white sofas and a grand piano imported directly from Italy. At its center hangs an enormous chandelier—also from Italy—alongside weekly-renewed floral arrangements.

Another notable luxury project by Briga in Netanya is the YAM complex, currently under construction. It consists of 118 residential units spread over two towers. The interior design has been entrusted to Max-Keenan Architects. At the base of the towers, a spectacular glass structure will serve as the entrance lobby to the complex, connecting the towers and surrounding green spaces.

The lobby is designed as a double-height space (6.6 meters) and will feature a business lounge, furnished sitting areas for resident gatherings and guests, a residents’ club, children’s playroom, synagogue, fully equipped gym, and a spa with both dry and wet saunas. Between the two towers, an indoor heated pool will also be constructed.

The lobby design reflects the project's seaside identity, with all materials chosen for their natural feel—such as beige-hued travertine stone, natural wood, and backlit ocean-blue glass walls. The elevator walls will be clad in blue marble, and organic-shaped lighting fixtures resembling river pebbles will reinforce the coastal ambiance. Concealed lighting will be integrated into various ceiling and wall elements. According to Briga, the design brings the sea and the outdoors into the project, creating a sensory experience of beachside living.

A Lobby as a Gallery

One of the key design trends in upscale residential lobbies in recent years is the incorporation of artworks. For instance, in the Ne'eman Towers luxury complex in north Tel Aviv, developed by Azorim, the lobby also functions as an art gallery. Around 300 pieces by leading Israeli artists such as Yaacov Agam and Menashe Kadishman are displayed, alongside a rotating exhibition of promising young artists and a collection of historic documents from the founding of the State of Israel.

The complex offers 24/7 security and includes a private country club with a semi-Olympic pool, high-end gym, spa, park, sculpture garden, and daycare center.
Einat Zakaria, VP of Marketing at Azorim, explains:
"The lobby is essentially the project's calling card—it’s the first space you encounter when you come home, and we want it to be inviting and pleasant. It also reflects the project's overall style and character. At Ne'eman Towers, the entire development was conceived as a work of art, which is expressed in colorful mosaics by Yaacov Agam on the building façades—so the art-themed lobby is a natural extension of this concept. Of course, it's not right for every project, but in this case, it was a perfect fit."

One of the pioneers of this artistic integration is the long-established real estate company Shimshon Zelig Ltd. The founder, the late Shimshon Zelig, was an avid collector of Israeli art. He introduced a tradition of placing original Israeli artworks in the lobbies of every building his company developed. Today, his children continue this legacy.

Among the artists featured in Zelig projects are Dorit Feldman and David Gerstein. Feldman, a multidisciplinary artist known for her public installations, has works displayed in two of the company’s projects: Village Al HaYam in Rishon LeZion and Madurgei Marom in Tzameret Park. In the latter, each of the four buildings showcases a different geometric motif—diamond, square, circle, and double-ellipse infinity—embedded in glass.

A prime example of merging heritage and modernity is the Kook Street 7 luxury project in Jerusalem by Africa Israel Residences. Located in the heart of the city near Rabbi Kook’s House and the Anna Ticho House Museum, its courtyard opens toward the museum garden.

The striking lobby was designed by architects Kobi Gal and Vered Matsliah, with the goal of creating a perfect blend between historic charm and modern sophistication. The design incorporates distinct elements reflecting the unique Jerusalem atmosphere, integrating classic motifs with contemporary materials and amenities that meet the high standards of potential buyers—many of whom are foreign residents.