JACQUES
JACQUES
Tucked into a trio of British Mandate-era buildings from the early 1940s, Jacques is more than just a hospitality complex—it’s a living, breathing tribute to the land, the people, and the stories that shaped them.
The original site was once a British military camp, home to New Zealand brigades stationed in the region. These very forces helped lay the Haifa–Beirut–Tripoli railway line and excavate the tunnels at Rosh Hanikra. In 1946, just down the road, the Night of the Bridges operation unfolded—one of the most iconic acts of the Jewish resistance. By 1949, the camp gave way to the founding of the kibbutz, and one of the original structures was transformed into its first communal dining hall, where the name “Gesher HaZiv” was chosen in memory of 14 Palmach fighters who lost their lives during that operation.
The other buildings had their own roles in the early kibbutz story—a dairy barn, where cows sometimes wandered in during mealtimes, and a generator house that powered the entire community.
In designing Jacques, we saw these structures not as relics—but as raw material. The branding, visual language, and spatial identity were all shaped by the contrast between past and present: careful preservation on the one hand, and expressive reinvention on the other.
Three of the original buildings were restored with sensitivity and respect, while a fourth, entirely new structure was added to complete the experience.
Tucked into a trio of British Mandate-era buildings from the early 1940s, Jacques is more than just a hospitality complex—it’s a living, breathing tribute to the land, the people, and the stories that shaped them.
The original site was once a British military camp, home to New Zealand brigades stationed in the region. These very forces helped lay the Haifa–Beirut–Tripoli railway line and excavate the tunnels at Rosh Hanikra. In 1946, just down the road, the Night of the Bridges operation unfolded—one of the most iconic acts of the Jewish resistance. By 1949, the camp gave way to the founding of the kibbutz, and one of the original structures was transformed into its first communal dining hall, where the name “Gesher HaZiv” was chosen in memory of 14 Palmach fighters who lost their lives during that operation.
The other buildings had their own roles in the early kibbutz story—a dairy barn, where cows sometimes wandered in during mealtimes, and a generator house that powered the entire community.
In designing Jacques, we saw these structures not as relics—but as raw material. The branding, visual language, and spatial identity were all shaped by the contrast between past and present: careful preservation on the one hand, and expressive reinvention on the other.
Three of the original buildings were restored with sensitivity and respect, while a fourth, entirely new structure was added to complete the experience.
Each of the four buildings now plays a distinct role in the Jacques experience:
The former barn now houses our café and deli—a celebration of local (and international) produce curated with care: handmade cheeses, charcuterie, boutique wines, preserves, fresh-cut flowers, and handpicked objects for the home. Alongside, they serve fresh sandwiches, baked goods, salads, and hot and cold drinks.
In the building next door, they opened their bistro and wine bar: “Hadar Ochel”. Here, chef Morris offers a relaxed, ingredient-forward menu built around sharing and seasonality. Mediterranean and Galilean influences mix freely: cicchetti, pintxos, mezze, and small plates sit alongside heartier mains.
Each of the four buildings now plays a distinct role in the Jacques experience:
The former barn now houses our café and deli—a celebration of local (and international) produce curated with care: handmade cheeses, charcuterie, boutique wines, preserves, fresh-cut flowers, and handpicked objects for the home. Alongside, they serve fresh sandwiches, baked goods, salads, and hot and cold drinks.
In the building next door, they opened their bistro and wine bar: “Hadar Ochel”. Here, chef Morris offers a relaxed, ingredient-forward menu built around sharing and seasonality. Mediterranean and Galilean influences mix freely: cicchetti, pintxos, mezze, and small plates sit alongside heartier mains.
Opposite the two is our beer garden, anchored by the old generator house, now converted into a lively canteen/kiosk. This is the spot for juicy burgers, crispy fish & chips, artisanal sausages, original Neapolitan pizzas, and a generous range of boutique beers—local and imported, on tap or bottled.
The new structure is home to “The Economy”, the production kitchen that powers it all. Tucked into its rear: “Salon Jacqueline”, the intimate event space—designed for private and professional gatherings, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal sales.
The entire compound is wrapped in layered, landscaped greenery with seating areas that invite you to sit up, stretch out, or lie back completely. The atmosphere shifts naturally with time, music, and weather—sometimes a live show, sometimes a vinyl set, always in tune with the moment.
Opposite the two is our beer garden, anchored by the old generator house, now converted into a lively canteen/kiosk. This is the spot for juicy burgers, crispy fish & chips, artisanal sausages, original Neapolitan pizzas, and a generous range of boutique beers—local and imported, on tap or bottled.
The new structure is home to “The Economy”, the production kitchen that powers it all. Tucked into its rear: “Salon Jacqueline”, the intimate event space—designed for private and professional gatherings, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal sales.
The entire compound is wrapped in layered, landscaped greenery with seating areas that invite you to sit up, stretch out, or lie back completely. The atmosphere shifts naturally with time, music, and weather—sometimes a live show, sometimes a vinyl set, always in tune with the moment.
So, Who’s Jacques? Jacques isn’t a person. Not exactly. It started as an inside joke between the founders—used whenever something came together perfectly. A dish plated just right? “That’s Jacques.” A new layout that just clicked? Definitely Jacques.
Over time, Jacques became something more—a stand-in for everything that felt right. Intentional but effortless. Familiar but elevated. That moment when you exhale and say: this is it.
So when it came time to name the project, there was only one choice. Because Jacques is not just a name—it’s a feeling.
Illustrations by Royce Seigel
So, Who’s Jacques? Jacques isn’t a person. Not exactly. It started as an inside joke between the founders—used whenever something came together perfectly. A dish plated just right? “That’s Jacques.” A new layout that just clicked? Definitely Jacques.
Over time, Jacques became something more—a stand-in for everything that felt right. Intentional but effortless. Familiar but elevated. That moment when you exhale and say: this is it.
So when it came time to name the project, there was only one choice. Because Jacques is not just a name—it’s a feeling.
Illustrations by Royce Seigel
