Mountain Chalets
HOTEL RESIDENCES1959:
In a small forest, several chalets serve as an extension to a hotel from the early 20th century. The construction consists of load-bearing walls made of small white cement bricks, a raw concrete structure, and a rooftop garden with a skylight illuminating the bathroom. As an anecdote, to illustrate the challenges faced by the architect, this skylight caused a scandal at the time.
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TERMS One Year
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Design in Details
Nestled within a serene forest, this collection of chalets serves as a harmonious extension to an early 20th-century hotel, blending modernist principles with the natural environment. Designed in 1959, the residences reflect a meticulous balance between functionality, material innovation, and architectural boldness.
Architectural and Structural Details
– Load-Bearing Walls:
Constructed from small white cement bricks, these walls not only provide structural integrity but also enhance the aesthetic with a minimalist and luminous texture that complements the surrounding natural palette.
– Concrete Framework:
A raw concrete structure forms the skeleton of the chalets, embodying the modernist ethos of truth to materials. The exposed concrete surfaces, with their clean lines and robust form, contrast with the organic forest setting, emphasizing the human touch in the wilderness.
– Rooftop Garden:
Innovatively designed rooftop gardens integrate the residences seamlessly into their wooded environment. These green roofs not only provide insulation but also echo the forest canopy, offering a tranquil retreat for guests.
Skylight and Scandal
A defining feature of the design is the **skylight above the bathroom**, which allows natural light to flood the space, creating an ethereal interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. At the time of construction, this bold architectural choice sparked controversy, as it was perceived to challenge conventional norms of privacy and architectural propriety. Nevertheless, it became a symbol of the architect’s avant-garde vision, emphasizing openness and the transformative power of light in design.
ARTISTIC EXPLICATION
Artistic and Contextual Significance
-Integration with Nature:
The chalets’ design blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors. The choice of materials mirrors the tones and textures of the forest, while the linear geometry juxtaposes the organic forms of the trees.
– Modernist Inspiration:
The use of raw concrete and minimal ornamentation places the chalets firmly within the modernist tradition, drawing parallels to the works of Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, particularly their shared emphasis on function, light, and harmony with the environment.
– Timelessness:
Though built in 1959, the chalets exhibit a timeless quality, with their clean lines and sustainable design elements continuing to inspire contemporary architecture.
This project stands as a testament to the daring creativity of mid-century architects, balancing respect for natural landscapes with bold architectural expression. Its legacy is not just the physical structure but the dialogue it sparked about design, innovation, and cultural norms.
CHALET 1994:
A slightly sloping terrain towards the south, ending in a steep cliff, offers a view of the sea and Beirut in the distance. The small surface area of the land was compensated for by using a rooftop garden accessible via a long staircase leading to the traditional Lebanese pergola (erzal). Access is from the north, with the entrance at the level of the bedrooms, descending towards the living room via a straight staircase.
The walls are treated with rough stone, while the concrete parts are left unfinished. The windows are a combination of teak wood for the frames, with black anodized aluminum sliding panels embedded within.
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project type: Moutain chalet
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Design in Details
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Fakra region, this chalet is a masterpiece of architectural restraint and regional dialogue. Positioned on a south-sloping terrain culminating in a sheer cliff, the chalet’s design captures sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and Beirut, while embracing the mountainous essence of its location.
Site and Orientation
The chalet takes full advantage of its challenging site:
– Southward Slope: The gradual descent towards the cliff is celebrated, not concealed, with the architecture flowing naturally with the topography.
-Views and Light: The southern orientation ensures abundant natural light throughout the day, while the expansive views are framed to emphasize the visual connection to the distant sea and cityscape.
Architectural Features
1. Vertical Circulation and Spatial Layout:
– Entrance on the North Side: Guests are greeted at the bedroom level, creating an intimate and sheltered arrival point.
– Descending into the Living Space: A straight staircase serves as a symbolic transition from privacy to openness, leading to the communal living area that opens outward towards the horizon. This progression mimics a journey from the heart of the mountain to its panoramic edge.
2. Rooftop Garden and Pergola:
– Garden as Usable Terrain: The rooftop garden compensates for the limited land area, extending the usable outdoor space vertically.
– Traditional Lebanese Pergola (Erzal): The pergola, with its timber latticework, provides shade and serves as an homage to traditional Lebanese architecture, blending cultural identity with modern living. The pergola also frames the sky, creating a contemplative space that bridges nature and structure.
– Long Staircase: The ascent to the rooftop is both functional and experiential, inviting a gradual immersion in the landscape’s beauty.
Materiality and Textural Contrast
1. Rough Stone Walls:
– The rugged, hand-treated stone walls anchor the chalet within its natural context, mirroring the surrounding rocky terrain.
– The texture creates a play of light and shadow throughout the day, imbuing the structure with a dynamic presence.
– Stone as a material also pays homage to traditional Lebanese construction, reinforcing a sense of continuity with the past.
2. Raw Concrete Surfaces:
– Left unfinished, the concrete elements provide a stark, modernist counterpoint to the organic feel of the stone.
– This juxtaposition symbolizes a dialogue between tradition and innovation, grounding the chalet in both its historical and contemporary contexts.
3. Windows and Openings:
– Teak Wood Frames: The warm, natural tones of teak contrast elegantly with the cool, rugged stone, softening the structure and enhancing its craftsmanship.
– Black Anodized Aluminum Panels: These sliding panels offer a minimalist, modern aesthetic while ensuring durability against the harsh mountain climate. Their recessed design creates a seamless integration between interior and exterior.
ARTISTIC INTERPRETATIONS
Artistic Interpretations
1. Harmony with Nature:
– The chalet embraces the mountain’s spirit by echoing its contours and materials. It becomes an extension of the land, rather than an imposition upon it.
– The rooftop garden and pergola dissolve boundaries between architecture and landscape, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
2. Cultural Expression:
– The erzal pergola and stonework reflect a deep respect for Lebanese architectural heritage, ensuring the design resonates with the region’s identity.
3. Modern Minimalism:
– The unfinished concrete and clean lines of the windows introduce a modernist aesthetic, emphasizing form and function over ornamentation.
Chalet stands as a dialogue between the natural landscape, cultural heritage, and modernist ideals. It is not merely a dwelling but an immersive experience, harmonizing mountain living with a profound sense of place and history.
