A gorgeous conceptual rendering we hope sees itself into fruition, Villa Chams by Carl Gerges Architects is set in Lebanon’s Baalbek city, an arid and historical landscape that enjoys dry and sunny days and contrasting chilly nights. The studio understandably borrowed influences from the city’s surrounding flora and Roman temples.
A shelled structure is fronted by columns that stretch out horizontally against a backdrop of preserved rocks and olive trees, its poured earth concrete and stone walls blending unobtrusively into the landscape. A terrazzo-lined pool flows through the concrete columns, one half indoors and the other outdoors. Venturing further into the home are more columns which form introverted spaces and open extensions, creating interesting nooks and crannies. Elegant, contemporary furnishings decorate the bedrooms, living area, music and reading room, while the bathroom is fitted with floor-to-ceiling rock walls, illuminated by an overhead skylight.
At night, when lit up, a seductive glow emanates from the interiors, dramatically outlining the columns against the mountains in the distance. “Touching on all elements of the earth, this house is meticulously designed to emit feelings of harmonious tranquility with nature’s many sensorial layers, for a solemn retreat,” says the studio.
The Beirut-based architecture studio was founded by Carl Gerges, a Lebanese architect and musician. The practice specialises in architecture, interior and product design projects. More on their Instagram and website.
Images © Carl Gerges Architects (via)