I must admit that until we were invited to design the new home of Haahuzah, we knew nothing about it. As our acquaintance deepened, the professional ties turned into real friendship and the Haahuzah revealed itself to us, layer by layer. We understood why its name precedes it. We were charmed by its maintenance team and received an education in everything relating to joy and festivities – all from one man with a vision – Rami Gazit.
Leadership, innovation, professionalism, change as well as business and social sensitivities constitute only a partial and short list of a world of values, forming the guiding light of the Haahuzah, since its early days in Jerusalem. At every event and meeting with its customers, these manifest and empower the hospitality experience to levels differentiating it from its competition. The Haahuzah customers return, generation after generation, celebrating within its walls with their loved ones. This is a common phenomenon at the Haahuzah and nothing else can better indicate an institution that had become a home.
We were asked to design the new home of Haahuzah, on a piece of untouched land, nine dunams in area, at the outskirts of Modi’in. As befits an institution, whose name precedes it, the design work was guided by its principles and values. It was only natural for the Haahuzah to continue the same tradition of leadership and innovation, presenting a distinguishing alternative to the existing events scene.
No more a monotonous event hall, capable of dividing itself. No more the simplicity of a garden and interior. Instead, an array of unique spaces intertwined, like a pearl necklace, creating exciting experiences, revealed as one walks into its innermost places.
We created a captivating series of time and space in which each space bears its own authenticity, which succeeds in exciting and containing both an entire event and also to function as a single pearl in a necklace, which together with its “friends” weaves into a delight for all.
The Haahuzah not only provides answers to the world of rhythm, movement and change, but also challenges and invites it, in an affable way, to be impressed with its capabilities, as if it were a “super computer” capable of running any application. The 21st century customer demands a tailor made suit and not one for rental. The Haahuzah serves the customer all his wishes on a silver platter, with a broad smile.
When it comes to the exterior of the Haahuzah, as in every mansion, there is more than meets the eye…. It does not need bells and whistles or a display of muscle to arouse the customers’ curiosity. Restraint and humility befit it. The Haahuzah’s face is made of steel and concrete – raw in their beauty, noble in their spirit. These are immortal materials suited for the Haahuzah frame of mind. They will guard it against the ravishes of time, passing trends and young competitors. Its meticulous and at times ascetic façade crumbles upon the revelation of the tree tops and forelocks of bushes, rising up beyond its walls, forming part of the garden, waiting patiently to be revealed to the guests and representing the first pearl of the necklace.
The joyful ceremony builds up by means of gradual passages and slow, controlled revelation of the necklace before the guests, each pearl with its unique qualities and features. The guests are invited to wear them as they please…
The spaces of the Haahuzah are generous and yield easily. All are dressed in their finest, changing attire as they dive into the joyful occasion; from correct apparel, fit for the internal garden, under its glass canopy, through a suit caught up in a frenzy, hopping between white and black, as if it were on the dance floor, ending in an enchanted garden, open to the elements, enabling to roll up sleeves, open a button, take a short break for a smoke and fresh air.
The Haahuzah is a sophisticated space machine, built for this century. Its strength is in its character providing its guests use and service at a level befitting the spirit of the time, and allowing its owners the freedom to continue evolving, changing and dreaming and especially to fulfill those dreams.
Alon Baranowitch, Architect
16.11.12
.svg)
