A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Goes to Private Residential Chalet Mountain Seasonal Residence by Fouad Naayem

The Work

Project

Private Residential Chalet Mountain Seasonal Residence

Function

Mountain Seasonal Residence

Category

Architecture, Building and Structure Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture

Colors

Gainsboro, Black, Dark Green, Dark Olive Green and Light Gray

Images

5

The Recognition

Laureate

Fouad Naayem

Country

Lebanon

Recognition

A' Design Award

Edition

2019 - 2020

Design ID

#91714

Credits

Image Credits

Fouad Naayem (Myself), 2018; Fouad Naayem (with drone), 2018; Fouad Naayem, 2018

Design Details

Unique Properties

At the summit of a steep hill, lies a private residential project built to provide their owners with a secondary residence. The project makes the best use of a difficult triangular terrain in order to create a practical and aesthetically pleasing living space. The roof offers a haven for tranquility while resting on its small infinity pool overlooking the tree-filled valley to the west. It is also treated as the fourth elevation, reflecting an angular concept based on the topography of the plot and surroundings.

Inspiration

Earth colors characterize this residence that is adorned with dark and light grey tones similar to the rocks in the area as well as wooden cladding panels, creating a complimentary contrast. Horizontal and vertical linearity, distinguishes the design. It is namely noticeable on the roof where lines seem to extend radially from the tip of the triangular building. The roof itself is inclined at the same angle as the road facing the lateral elevation. Thanks to this parallelism, the design is integrated into the area surrounding it. Moreover, another opposite incline creates movement, highlighting the dynamic architecture of the building.

Research

When it comes to functionality, practicality, style and budget, the client’s needs are always FNA & Partners top priority. The second step would be finding innovative ideas to turn their vision into reality whilst taking into account orientation, the slope and shape of the plot, the location, the environment, the surrounding area and urban tissue along with the natural ventilation and light. Combined, these factors helped us to ensure a sustainable, high-quality and detailed design well integrated on site.

Challenge

In fact, the plot, which is located on a steep slope, is triangular, with a setback line that limits design possibilities. This challenging complexity called for an unusual design. The result is a triangular building which features a harmonious and elegant proportion. Through its architecture and functional design, the project has become a landmark in the area.

Realization and Technology

Zinc cladding, dark grey stones and HPL wood cladding were considered during design phase. Due to the elevated budget of the zinc, the cement board based material from Swisspearl with a silver metallic color was considered. Flat grey brick tiles color were used for the inclined roof to look like the initial zinc cladding. A special technical detail with L shape aluminum profile fixed to the wall was considered to hold the slim stones stripes. Outdoor Led lights fixtures were used to highlight some main vertical elements as well as the linearity of the main architectural volumes, while hidden in specially designed cove lights.

Operation and Interaction

Following the topography of the site, green areas were integrated to the building at all levels including two infinity pools to reinforce the relation between indoors and outdoors areas. These features, among others, ensure sustainability. The roof includes a studio, hidden technical installations and a storage for terrace outdoor furniture. The architecture preserves homeowners privacy knowing that smaller windows were designed for both side elevations, since the former lies across from a plot which may eventually be built on, and the latter overlooks the street. In short, this project offers its residents a practical retreat where comfort meets luxury and style.

Project Duration and Location

The project is located in Faqra Club, a club assembling multiple villas and chalets as well a residential complexes, and offering Lebanese elite a seasonal escape. This destination attracts skiers in the winter and mountain lovers in the summer. The duration of the construction took 4 years from spring 2014 till summer 2018 knowing that during the winter season the site was completely closed due bad weather and snow accumulation.

Specifications

We have considered double glass sliding aluminum thermal brake partitions for all openings as a sustainable solution and to avoid condensation during winter while indoor areas are heated. Snow melting system was used at all balconies, terraces and entrances to avoid snow accumulation.

Keywords

Dynamic, Spaceship, Trendy, Triangular shape, Well integrated to the site, Volumes, Contrasts