Luxury Villas
RRESIDENCE A.A – 1995:
The relatively large but oddly shaped plot is surrounded by shanties, leaving only a glimpse of hope for a view through the two ends of a diagonal line stretching from the sea towards the mountain, marked by the basilica of “Our Lady of Lebanon – Harissa,” which in this case is of little help.
This site’s deformity was mitigated by a design approach featuring blind plans that make the most of any possible view.
The heart of the house is a staircase and a walkway connecting the master bedroom to the children’s rooms, suspended between two skylights that flood it with light.
architect:
Verney
project type:
villa
Terms:
client:
Strategy:
date:
1995
Design explanation
Site Context and Challenges
The plot for Résidence Adem, located in Sarba and developed in 1995, presented a unique challenge due to its irregular shape and surroundings. Situated amidst shanties, the property was confined, leaving minimal opportunities to enjoy scenic views. Only a faint, diagonal line between the sea and mountain offered a limited sightline, with the Basilica of “Our Lady of Lebanon – Harissa” faintly visible. This constraint of limited visual access necessitated creative design solutions to open up the space and maximize natural light and views, despite the confined nature of the surroundings.
Design Approach and Response to the Site
The design embraced the unusual shape and orientation of the plot with the use of “blind plans”—layouts and structural features that minimize external openings, yet optimize internal perspectives. These blind plans worked strategically to filter and guide the limited views outward, turning what might be perceived as a constraint into an advantage. The approach enabled the residence to avoid the visually cluttered surroundings while still engaging with the desirable elements of the landscape, harnessing a glimpse of the sea and mountains as focal points.
[2500m2]
build
3000m2]
garden
1.000.000$
cost
[2 years]
time
Incredible Result
Central Element: The Staircase and Walkway
At the heart of the residence is a stunning staircase and walkway, embodying both function and aesthetic. This central feature serves not only as the primary vertical circulation within the home but also as a bridge between spaces, linking the master bedroom and children’s rooms. Positioned between two large skylights, the walkway is bathed in natural light, creating a dynamic, uplifting environment that changes throughout the day. This clever integration of daylighting enhances the interior atmosphere and visually connects the spaces, bringing an element of openness to the home’s core.
Overall Impact and Cohesion of Design
The interplay between the house’s core elements, such as the staircase and skylight, alongside the careful placement of windows and the strategic orientation of rooms, creates a harmonious flow. This approach transformed the challenges posed by the site into an opportunity to design a residence that feels spacious, bright, and intimately connected despite the surrounding constraints. The house ultimately becomes a sanctuary within its environment—both rooted in its location and insulated from its immediate surroundings, bringing a sense of tranquility and privacy to the residents.
