Waking Up to the Sea: A Smart Apartment That Feels Like Sailing on a Dream Ship
VitreaHow do you design a studio apartment that is both technologically advanced and emotionally soothing – like drifting on an endless voyage? Architect Nadav Shoval joins our blog to share the design concept, the choice of a wireless smart home system, and the client’s favorite scenario that elevates everyday living >>
Can you tell us about the project in terms of scope, concept, design style, and material choices?
“The client, a cosmopolitan with a passion for sailing and long voyages, always dreamed of waking up to the sea. His original five-room apartment was reimagined into an open studio with one expansive suite facing the terrace and the water – designed to feel like a presidential suite in a luxury hotel. The vision was to create the sensation of ‘sailing at home’: waking to the sound of waves and drifting off to sleep as though aboard a dream ship.
To achieve this, we combined warm, natural materials – wood and stone – with cooler elements like steel, concrete, and glass partitions. The contrast conveys both refinement and strength. The sea inspired every aspect of the design: from the apartment’s flow and sightlines, to the soft blues and greens of the furnishings and artwork, to the sun- and sand-toned finishes of the shell. The design establishes a dialogue between water and earth – opposite yet complementary – bringing a unique sense of balance and harmony.”
Architecture & Interior Design: Nadav Shoval | Photography: Oded Smadar | Smart Home System: Vitrea VTouch Pro
Architecture & Interior Design: Nadav Shoval | Photography: Oded Smadar | Smart Home System: Vitrea VTouch Pro
At what stage of the project was the decision made to integrate a smart home system, and what did that require from you in terms of planning the electrical and lighting design?
“From the very beginning. It required me to prepare a basic electrical plan, then continue working closely with Vitrea’s electrical consultants to adapt lighting and power plans to the client’s needs and the system’s capabilities.”
Why did you choose Vitrea’s smart home system in particular?
“Four main reasons: the system’s quality, its minimal space requirements in the electrical panel, the refined look and design flexibility of the keypads, and finally—the professional, attentive collaboration with the company’s team.”
Architecture & Interior Design: Nadav Shoval | Photography: Oded Smadar | Smart Home System: Vitrea VTouch Pro
Why a smart home? In your opinion, what added value does it bring to daily life and to the living experience?
“A smart home is a game changer for daily life. It allows full control and programming of electrical circuits and scenarios, as well as integration with HVAC, audio, and security systems. It transforms the experience of living at home into that of a five-star hotel.”
And finally, what is the most practical and useful scenario in this home?
“The client’s favorite is the night-light scene: soft lighting that automatically turns on every evening at 10 PM and off again at 7 AM. It makes moving around at night effortless—like on a plane—without disturbing the rest of the household.”
Architecture & Interior Design: Nadav Shoval | Photography: Oded Smadar | Smart Home System: Vitrea VTouch Pro
Architecture & Interior Design: Nadav Shoval | Photography: Oded Smadar | Smart Home System: Vitrea VTouch Pro
Architecture & Interior Design: Nadav Shoval | Photography: Oded Smadar | Smart Home System: Vitrea VTouch Pro
With Vitrea’s smart home solutions, you can control every space in your home with ease. Create scenarios tailored to your lifestyle, make everyday living more comfortable and intuitive than ever, and let your home work for you—automatically. Now is the perfect time to take the next step. Contact us to schedule a visit to our showroom.