Simplicity / Complexity, or the reinvention of the markers of tradition.

The site, in the valley of Kahlouniyeh offers a spectacular panoramic view towards the nearby mountains of the Chouf, in a gradual descent of the slope that transforms midway through the site into a strong cliff-like formation. Juggling constraints of scale, construction complexity and the dream of a comfortable family life, the project is imagined as an extension of the textures of rock-like fragmentation in-line with the existing burnt rocks at the lower level of the site, the tradition of building with stone in the Lebanese villages and the client’s existing small quarry to be used as a ready-to-use cladding material.

Scales of fragmentation will allow for the house to deploy itself gracefully on the full width of the site without overpowering the presence of nature. The house is divided into three stone volumes: the parents’ house with the kitchen below and a small covered parking, the children’s house with the family and main living, family dining, the gym/office and maid’s area, and the guest volume with a guest bedroom, a closed garage for two cars and a children play terrace on the roof accessible via a bridge. In the gaps between the three volumes, circulation perspectives open the house back to front allowing for the valley view to appear through the house before even entering it. On the valley side, a longitudinal terrace allows to interconnect all volumes in one simple belvedere with exterior dining and kitchen, play areas and a long infinity pool.

The next level of fragmentation happens on the facade itself. A set of full-height glass on middle grey tin finish aluminum windows sharply contrasts full-height stone cladding on the facades rather rough and textured, as if the traditional terraces of the village had started floating above the cliff. And when once again one slides the mullion-less glass windows open into the pocket walls, it is either to fully immerse into the pool terrace and the view beyond, or to transform one’s bedroom opening into an individual balcony.