Bauhaus bombshell: R48 opens on Rothschild Boulevard

R48 Hotel and Garden is an 11-suite hotel housed in a meticulously restored 1930’s Bauhaus architecture-style building on Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv’s most prestigious address. The property has been preserved and renovated by  architecture firm AN+ and features interior design by Studio Liaigre, with landscape and garden design by Piet Oudolf, the visionary landscape architect behind New York City’s High Line. Features include a garden rimmed rooftop pool overlooking the city, two exceptional restaurants, along with a carefully curated art collection of leading Israeli artists.

Image credit: R48

The historic Bauhaus architectural building housing the hotel was originally built in 1933 during a period of extraordinary prosperity for Tel Aviv. At the time; there was an influx of architects who emigrated from Europe and incorporated their avant-garde International Style into the Middle Eastern climate. R48’s wraparound balconies, trademark thermometer windows and iconic white staircase demonstrate the signature Bauhaus design. Carefully restored by AN+ Architects and under the guidance of the Israel Conservation Authority, the building has been extended with a glass façade that floods the hotel with magnificent natural light.

The R48 interiors have been designed by Studio Liaigre who instilled a timeless sophistication through carefully custom designed furnishings and lighting to deliver ultimate comfort and sense of being in a beautifully appointed private home. The majority of the rooms are suites and include full living and dining/working areas. Great attention has been paid to ensuring spacious and well-appointed bathrooms and closets as well as thoughtful connectivity. Presenting clean white walls, woods and light materials, with an occasional dark note for contrast, a dazzling palette of yellows, greens, and fresh tones – the property’s design takes centre stage.

Image credit: R48

The elegance of the materials used throughout sets the tone for the atmosphere: travertine slabs, granite in the baths, tulipwood, African Teak, walnut and silk rugs. Certain interior furnishings (including the headboards, bedside tables, dining tables, and dressing rooms) were created specifically for the project, while the majority of the furniture was sourced from Studio Liaigre’s iconic designs.

Image credit: R48

Surrounding the building and on its elevated roof-deck guests will experience gardens designed by Piet Oudolf, known and celebrated for the Highline in New York City, and the key figure in the ‘New Perennial Movement’. Oudolf was tasked with establishing a series of natural vignettes across the property. Using a naturalistic approach to gardening, primarily with perennial plant species and local Levantine flora, Oudolf incorporates perennials and grasses, and a variety of local preserved olive, oaks and pomegranate trees.

Image credit: R48

R48 Hotel and Garden’s public and private spaces are adorned with 25 unique pieces of artwork. Israeli art curators, Art Source, were commissioned to curate a collection of contemporary local artists who speak a universal language, while revealing truths about various aspects of modern-day Israeli life,
culture, and identity. The collection includes works from both established and rising talents from multiple backgrounds, including such well-known artists as Ori Gersht, Tal Shochat, and Anisa Ashkar. Special visits to these artists galleries can be arranged upon request. Additional amenities at R48 Hotel and Garden include a well-appointed meeting room and state-of-the-art fitness centre for guests to enjoy during their stay.

Main image credit: R48