About the project
Hosin Farm, near the settlement of Alon in Binyamin, is a rehabilitative and therapeutic space spanning approximately 27 dunams, carefully designed to support recovery and growth. The project physically embodies the Trauma-Informed Architecture approach, providing dedicated support for combatants, veterans, and their families, alongside an equine therapy center for the general public. The design harnesses the built environment as an active therapeutic tool, creating a harmonious dialogue with the desert landscape, to offer patients a quiet, protected, and enveloping space in which to heal.
The core principles behind the project's design
Separated Zones
The project is divided into two completely independent compounds to prevent overlap between target populations and create a safe environment. The 'Hosin Center' compound — dedicated to the memory of Cpl. Omer Van Gelder, of blessed memory — serves combatants and their families with a multi-purpose workshop building, therapy clinics, a therapy kennel, and a separate agricultural area. The second compound serves as an equestrian center for the general public.
Partnership & Spirit
Beyond the architectural design, the story of the farm's establishment is woven with extraordinary mutual responsibility. The project's structures were built by a group of cowboys from Montana, USA — Zionists who love Israel and arrived especially to take part in creating this place. Their connection to manual labor and the world of horses infused the buildings with the authenticity of a real working ranch, adding a moving layer of international support for IDF soldiers and their rehabilitation journey.
Universal Accessibility
As a project serving disabled IDF veterans and those in rehabilitation, accessibility is not merely a code requirement — it is the founding design principle. All buildings, paths, riding arenas, and therapy spaces were designed to allow independent, safe, and continuous movement for individuals with physical disabilities.
Landscape & Architecture
The design was created with deep respect for the natural environment. The structures are characterized by low-rise construction that follows the mountainous topography, aiming to minimize visibility within the landscape and preserve open sightlines toward the view — a critical element in the recovery process. The use of natural materials such as stone, exposed concrete, and timber beams gives the compound a rooted character that blends naturally into the desert palette.
Dedicated Infrastructure
The farm is planned to the highest standard and includes separate stable structures and riding arenas for each compound, fencing for dozens of horses, extensive shaded areas, and organizational hubs that enable continuous therapeutic work under optimal conditions.