Victor Naggy House

This residence was built in 1937 in the late International Style. Victor Naggy was a principal member of the Alliance – Mikve Israel Agricultural School. The corner building was designed by Architect Ben-Ami Shulman, among the noteworthy architects of the 1930s accredited with major contributions to the modernist ‘White City’ of Tel Aviv. The structure combines innovative elements and design boldness, which are reflected in the partial colonnaded ground floor, the use of clear-cut geometric volumes in the building design and layout as well as sash windows and repeating parallel balconies. A distinctive design component used in the building is the ‘free standing facade’ where one of the walls continues beyond the built front as a continuation of the structure that simulates a unencumbered volume.

Address: Mapu Street 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Constructed: 1937
Renewed: 2013
Documented: 2011
Client: Eytan Schindler
Photographer: Avira
Contractor: Wleed Grieb LTD
Constructor: Danni Shapira Engineers LTD

Clear-cut geometric volumes in the building's facade

Many original details that distinguished the building were damaged or destroyed over the years due to accelerated weathering, neglect and intervention. Several structural features were demolished including a concrete pergola that had originally framed the perimeter of the roof.

The building was designated for preservation within the strictest guidelines prohibiting modern additions and interventions.

The Building in the 30's. picture by Itzhak Kalter

Facade of Victor Naggy House — Façade drawn by the original architect - Ben-Ami Shulman

Hana Rachel Koris and Leah Rabin hold the Palmach flag at the swearing-in ceremony for the IDF, which took place at the beginning of Mapo Street. On the right is the Victor Naggy house.

The residence, underwent comprehensive renovation work in 2012-2013. The conservation process included a thorough rehabilitation of constructive elements as well as the restoration of facades and apartments. Detailed attention was paid to bringing the building's distinctive details up to standard. Carpentry details and original frames were restored and iron railings reconstructed on balconies, stairwells and on the roof. Extensive landscape work was carried out including vegetation typical of the period as well as consideration for accessibility within it's urban surroundings.

Reconstruction Columned Ground Floor International Style Light & Shadow

Reconstruction

A distinctive iron railing supporting an overhead cornice were reconstructed on the roof of the residence. The building is highlighted by stylistic elements which are typical of the International Style and manage to convey simplicity and functionality.

Columned Ground Floor

The building is characterized by offset volumes and the resulting play of light and shadow. The entrance door is setback from the façade in a partial columned ground floor.

International Style

Recurrent horizontally aligned windows with rolling shutters placed in slits within façade accentuate the theme of horizontality. Semi colonnaded ground floor is typical to the International style In the city of Tel Aviv, as well as opposed masses in the façade which accentuate one another. Cantilever balconies help to define the gap between the two main masses of the building.

Light & Shadow

The protruding volumes of the balconies are counterbalanced by the setback glass and iron railing together enhancing the play of light and shadow.

Victor Naggy House

Before

During

Reconstruction

Columned Ground Floor

International Style

Light & Shadow

After