From a Historic Well House to a Cultural Hub
In the heart of the bustling Derech Salameh stands a distinctive stone building that reflects the history of 19th-century Jaffa. Originally built as a biara, or water well house, within a landscape of expansive orchards, the structure remains a rare architectural remnant within the evolving urban fabric. As part of a new residential development adjacent to the site, the historic building was preserved under strict conservation guidelines and adapted for a new public use. The project sought to connect the building's agricultural past with its contemporary urban context, transforming the once-enclosed stone structure into an accessible and welcoming community center.
Preservation and Adaptive Reuse
The project involved the careful restoration of the building's envelope and interior spaces. The kurkar arches and historic structural elements were exposed and preserved, restoring the building's distinctive character as a well house. At the heart of the main hall, a glass floor reveals the well and the historic water system below, making the story of the place part of the visitor experience. Contemporary building systems were integrated with minimal visual presence, keeping the original architecture at the center. Today, the building serves as a bilingual cultural center and a home for local arts organizations, with spaces for performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings. The renewed public use connects Jaffa's agricultural heritage with contemporary community life and creativity.
