Effective planning for the preservation of traditional architectural styles is a fundamental step in conserving heritage buildings(Briney, 2020-01-22). In today's globalized world, facilitated by advanced communication technologies, expertise can be shared across borders more easily than ever. However, designing a successful maintenance and rehabilitation plan requires a deep understanding of the specific architectural character of each historical building. These buildings possess unique features, such as doors, windows, roofs, and decorative details, that provide valuable insights into their era of construction, original purpose, and sometimes even their designers and original owners. The loss or alteration of these distinctive elements compromises the building's architectural and historical integrity (Babor & Plian, 2008).

The rehabilitation process generally involves several essential stages. It begins with comprehensive research and documentation, gathering information from historical texts, government archives, photographs, and original plans to assess the building's historical and architectural significance. In this context, the use of 3D digital modeling based on archival documentation has been identified as a powerful method for reconstructing and visualizing lost or damaged elements, enhancing authenticity and guiding restoration efforts (Shams El-Din, 2021). This is followed by a thorough evaluation of the building's current structural condition, noting weaknesses such as cracks or material deterioration. The final phase includes preparing detailed rehabilitation plans and their implementation (Office, 2004).

Furthermore, the rehabilitation plan must comply with local laws and municipal regulations. It should identify and preserve key architectural elements, remove incongruous additions that detract from the building's authenticity, and address reconstruction needs. Interior redesign efforts may involve removing inappropriate partitions or restoring historically significant features like internal staircases. The plan also considers functional requirements by incorporating missing spaces such as bathrooms and maintenance rooms to meet modern standards while respecting the building's heritage (Atmeh, 2007).

Re-purposing heritage buildings ensures their continuity and achieves sustainability principles. Additionally, reusing the interior spaces of heritage buildings in ways that align with their internal spaces, location, and cultural character, without compromising their value and uniqueness, guarantees increased awareness, adherence, and preservation for future generations.

Understand the necessity of rehabilitating heritage buildings and protecting them from deterioration factors.

highlight experiences with buildings that have been repurposed and analyze the positive and negative outcomes of the methodologies applied in these buildings.

Many heritage buildings of historical value in Palestine, particularly in the city of Hebron, are deteriorating, being vandalized, or demolished, leading to the disappearance of some sites and the alteration of their identity. Some sites experience partial demolition yet are preserved due to urban encroachment, causing them to lose their original architectural features. Additionally, some sites exist but are in a state of neglect or deterioration due to environmental factors and various structural issues. Therefore, it is necessary to find design and functional solutions in the process of redesigning some residential buildings that have been repurposed into restaurants and cafes.

This research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach by gathering information from available sources and references. It includes analyzing several traditional houses through field studies of multiple café models in the city of Hebron. The methodology involves interviews with experts and engineers, documenting and photographing observations, and creating maps with proposed solutions to develop a plan for converting a heritage house into a café and restaurant.

The selected houses were analyzed through direct site visits, during which architectural elements, spatial organization, structural condition, and historical value were recorded. Documentation included high-resolution photographs, schematic architectural drawings, and field notes addressing materials, decorative details, and usage patterns. Interviews were conducted with property owners, local architects, and municipal engineers to gather historical background, identify renovation challenges, and understand applied design strategies. In addition, maps were produced using Google Earth and GIS tools to locate each house within the urban fabric, supporting analysis of accessibility, surrounding functions, and visual prominence—critical factors in café design. The collected data was then comparatively analyzed to identify shared challenges and successful interventions, which informed the proposed adaptive reuse model.

Zekra Cafe is in the Ain Sara area of Hebron, opposite Sara Al-Janidi, owned by Mr. Zaid Al-Rajabi. The building was constructed about 90 years ago, and the land area is one dunam. Discussions with the owner revealed three main rooms, an external garden, sanitary units, and a kitchen. The building, which had been abandoned for a very long time, faced several issues during the renovation, primarily dampness. The owner decided to utilize the building to create a profitable project and concluded that a cafe would succeed due to its excellent location, ease of access, and the scarcity of similar projects. The cafe can accommodate 50 customers at a time.Figure 2 represents the location of Zikra Café, with a Google Maps aerial view indicating its position relative to Ein Sarah Street in Hebron

The renovation faced challenges with the installation of electricity, water, and sewage systems, as the old building was susceptible to collapse if not handled properly. The owner preserved the character and features of the place, maintaining its spirit. Electrical heating was installed inside the building, and an outdoor wood stove was added. During the day, the large windows provide enough sunlight and air, while at night, the cafe is illuminated with electric outdoor lighting, old-style lamps, soft lighting, and decorative lights, making the ambiance cozy and pleasant for the eyes. Another major issue was the dampness and water seepage since the building is situated at the base of a mountain, causing all the mountain water to collect in the cafe due to inadequate sewage drainage. Regarding furniture, the building, being abandoned, lacked any, so the owner furnished it with antique and old wooden Arabic furniture, reflecting the old place and authentic Palestinian heritage.

The owner expressed the beauty and tranquility of the place, enhancing the atmosphere with many trees and plants, giving the impression of entering a public garden with an old design and authentic stonework. An analysis of the design and renovation elements is summarized in Table 1

Fairuz Cafe is in the city of Hebron, near the first Ain Sarah and next to the Hebron Municipality building. Built in 1932 during the British mandate, it was originally a family home. In 2016, the building was converted into a modern cafe. The building features old natural stone walls and architectural openings with arches. The interior has a vaulted ceiling made up of several arches. The total area of the site is approximately 125 square meters, consisting of a single floor divided into eight spaces: three seating areas for visitors, a kitchen, a room for hookahs, two bathrooms, and a storage room.

The decision to convert the building into a cafe was made by the heirs, who wanted to preserve the identity, history, and rich character of the place, especially since they lived abroad. The cafe officially opened on 20/9/2016. About 40 years ago, a new seating area was added to the house, which is now the third visitor seating space. Partial maintenance and restoration were carried out when it was decided to convert the building into a cafe. This included cleaning the stone walls and reinforcing them with white cement between the stones. Two bathrooms were also added during this period.

The current condition of the café, detailed in Table 2, reveals several challenges and features: it suffers from insufficient electrical capacity, limited balcony load-bearing, and minor maintenance needs in furniture and finishes. Despite storage limitations and its sensitive proximity to the municipality, the café maintains strong architectural integrity and provides a comfortable layout for 64 visitors.

Table 3 highlights the café’s rich artistic and heritage elements, including antique furniture, musical instruments, old household tools, and decorative paintings that reflect the building’s historical identity and personal stories of its past residents. These features transform the café into a culturally immersive and nostalgic space.

This project involves the adaptive reuse of a 95-year-old building (originally built in 1350 AH) located in Al-Haras, Hebron. Over its history, the building has served multiple purposes: initially as a residence, later converted into an office, then an institution, and now transformed into a café. The café occupies the upper floor only, covering approximately 100 square meters, with plans for future expansion. The ground floor, part of the original structure, is currently unused. The layout includes a reception area, two seating sections separated by a partition wall, two bathrooms, and an outdoor courtyard with designated parking. After several unsuccessful attempts to revive the neglected building, the owners, Mona Abu Senineh and Yasser Dweik, decided to convert it into a public space welcoming both residents and tourists. This led to a comprehensive renovation aimed at restoring the building’s historical value while adapting it to contemporary needs Figure 4 illustrates the main façade of the Bouvardio Café, with its location verified through Google Maps.

Table 4 summarizes the renovation and design features, highlighting the project’s goal to transform the historic building into a vibrant, functional space. Traditional elements were preserved and enhanced—for example, original geometric tiles were replaced with new ones that replicate traditional patterns. The ceiling was structurally reinforced and finished with plaster for both aesthetic appeal and moisture resistance. Exterior walls were treated for dampness with insulating layers and finished using classical plaster designs, elevating the building’s visual charm.

Modern comfort was introduced through contemporary furniture carefully selected for style and ergonomics. The café, currently in excellent condition, serves Italian cuisine and accommodates approximately 50 guests. The interior design features a thoughtful color palette: green to evoke calm and nature, yellow to inspire joy and spontaneity, and brown to add warmth and comfort. These colors together create a welcoming atmosphere that harmonizes heritage with modern café culture. A comparative summary of three case studies, aimed at supporting analysis and result integration, is presented in Table 5.

The Al-Zaru House is a prominent example of Palestinian domestic architecture, representing a fusion of local craftsmanship, structural innovation, and aesthetic sophistication. The house was built in several stages, and this is evident in its exterior appearance, the type of stone used, and the varying construction techniques. This two-story structure includes a basement, with each floor approximately 226 square meters in area. The architectural differences in the building's exterior highlight its gradual construction, showcasing a blend of materials and styles that reflect the evolution of the house over time. Constructed during the British Mandate period, the Al-Zaru House reflects the preferences of the upper-middle class at the time. The overall design is elegant and spacious, with features such as arched doorways, twin windows, and recessed frames, offering a unique aesthetic value to the structure. The central hall, corridors, and rooms are adorned with patterned stone tiles, each one reflecting intricate craftsmanship and geometric arrangements. However, due to age and wear, the flooring has suffered damage and needs to be replaced with custom-made tiles that mirror the original design. A detailed assessment of the existing floors and the proposed interventions is provided in Table 6 .

The house also features a rich diversity of architectural openings, including arched doors, twin windows, and recessed frames, each with a distinct visual impact and material quality. Over time, many of these openings have deteriorated or been altered, requiring rehabilitation to restore the spatial flow and symmetry of the building. Table 6 offers an overview of the types of openings and the recommended preservation strategies. This architectural assessment divides the evaluation into six key areas: internal walls, ceilings, flooring, historical furniture, architectural openings, and other structural elements, such as the façade, kitchen, and bathrooms. The proposed design strategies for each category prioritize the preservation of the house's historical integrity while adapting it to function as a modern café. Each table outlines the aesthetic, historical, and physical condition of the respective features and presents thoughtful interventions to ensure a functional and respectful transformation of space.

This final phase focuses on the execution of the proposed interventions and preparing the space for its new function as a heritage café. Restoration work begins with the careful removal of damaged elements and the selection of materials that are compatible with the original architecture. Flooring will be replaced with newly designed tiles reflecting historical patterns. Stone walls will be stabilized and repointed, while ceilings will be structurally reinforced and treated to resolve moisture issues and support hidden electrical systems.

During the implementation, built-in furniture will be adapted creatively, such as turning storage niches into display units or seating areas. The overall interior design will maintain harmony with the original aesthetics while meeting the functional requirements of a modern café. The outdoor courtyard will be transformed into a landscaped seating area that connects the building's heritage with contemporary leisure use.

By the end of this phase, the house will be fully restored and adapted, ready to welcome visitors while narrating its rich history through every architectural detail. The transformation will serve as a model for integrating heritage conservation with adaptive reuse in the context of Palestinian architecture.

The design process for converting the Al-Zaru House into Zaru Café followed a systematic and research-based approach grounded in both historical respect and contemporary needs. The methodology combined architectural documentation, conceptual development, functional planning, and aesthetic integration.

Based on the cultural and architectural value of the site, a concept was chosen that harmonizes Andalusian and Ottoman influences, reflecting the rich historical character of Hebron’s heritage buildings. This stage also included: Choosing a fitting name for the project: "Zaru Café". Designing a logo that visually communicates the identity of the space using warm, traditional tones (beige and brown). Developing a mood board to guide material, color, and texture choices in the later stages. Figure 7 represents Concept Selection and Design Identity in the Zaroo House.

A thorough analysis of the house's original floor plan was carried out, followed by:

Drawing and analyzing plans

The spatial planning of Al-Zaroo House involved a comprehensive analysis of interior functions and circulation patterns. The design process began with zoning the main components of the space, allocating dedicated areas for the reception, kitchen, restrooms, and various seating zones. Careful attention was given to the flow of movement, ensuring smooth and intuitive circulation paths for both customers and staff, including clearly defined entry and exit routes. The layout was developed to foster a seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor areas. Seating configurations—such as individual tables, group arrangements, and window-facing seats—were designed with a focus on comfort, accessibility, and visual coherence. Figure 8 presents two drawings: the first is a colored zoning layout plan illustrating the functional distribution of space, while the second shows the furniture layout plan, reflecting the proposed arrangement of seating and service elements.

Furniture was custom-designed to suit the space and theme, with an emphasis on: Traditional forms and durable upholstery fabrics in coordinating colors. Selecting wood, stone, and tile materials that complement the house’s historical identity. Creating adaptable furniture suitable for both indoor and courtyard use.

Description: An old cabinet, likely from the early 20th century, made of solid wood.

Craftsmanship: This cabinet, along with several similar pieces, was likely crafted by an Armenian carpenter in Jerusalem, renowned for this style.

Repurposing: The old cabinet has been redesigned for use as a seating area within the café, integrating its historical value into the new setting.

Furniture and material selection in renovation and adaptive reuse projects plays a central role in preserving the identity of historic buildings. In the transformation of the Al-Zaru House into a cultural café, the interior spaces were handled with sensitivity, aiming to strike a balance between contemporary function and the preservation of architectural and structural heritage values. Therefore, furniture and material choices were made to reflect the spirit of the place-through the reuse of original historic elements and the design of new furniture that integrates with the architectural character-while serving the functional needs of the space without compromising its cultural and visual essence. Historical Furniture: Preserve the documented old cabinet and other similar pieces.

Usage: Thoughtfully incorporate these historical pieces into the café’s design, emphasizing their historical significance and enhancing the café’s unique character. Table 9 presents the proposed interior design solutions for the Al-Zaru House Café within the Zaroo House.

The design process incorporated: Analysis of decorative elements, such as arches and domed ceilings, integrating them into the interior layout. Designing the ceiling plan about plaster details and hidden infrastructure like electrical wiring. Creating interior elevations and vertical sections to demonstrate spatial relationships, furniture placement, and decorative treatments. Figure 9 presents a detailed study of the Zaroo House’s interior architecture and ornamentation, focusing on the ceiling plan, interior elevations, and vertical sections.

The floors were addressed through a study and mapping of the original flooring to assess possibilities for restoration, as well as designing new flooring patterns that echo the original aesthetic in modern formats, particularly for bathrooms and the kitchen. This process was documented in the floor plan number ( 5), which also includes material suggestions. Figure 10 represents the tile plan and its types in the Zaroo House (Source: Author, 2024). Additionally, Table 10 provides an analysis of the aesthetic and architectural features of the Al-Zaru residential building within the Zaroo House.

Detailed interior and exterior elevations were developed to illustrate the placement of arches, openings, furniture, and décor elements. Facade drawings were used to emphasize how the design maintains the historical feel while introducing café functionality. Figure 11 shows the cross-section and front elevation views of the proposed Al-Zaru Café design.

The conversion of the historic Al-Zaru House into a heritage café presented various architectural, functional, and environmental challenges, revealed through comprehensive site analysis. These challenges highlight the delicate balance between preserving the building’s original character and adapting it for modern commercial and social uses. Table 11 summarizes the key issues encountered, alongside the proposed redesign strategies and adaptive reuse solutions, organized by architectural aspects. Complementing this, Figure 12 illustrates models of the proposed design for the Al-Zaru Café, showcasing both before and after views of the transformation.

This study was conducted independently and did not involve any procedures requiring formal institutional ethics approval. All participants were informed about the nature of the research and participated voluntarily. No personally identifiable information was collected, and all data were gathered anonymously. The research was carried out by recognized ethical standards and posed no risk to participants.

The author(s) declare that there is no competing interest.