Gold Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2018
Olympea House
- A' Design Award 2018 Gold Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2018
- CLIENT: JYH International Architects
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 22,534
- Verification code 0E225185C4 · Verify this award
About Olympea House
The Residential Villa in the mountains of Lebanon is integrated with its surrounding nature. Its design consists of 2 L-shaped structures on the ground floor, which interact together to create an internal green patio, visible from all spaces in the house. This concept was thought of in order to avoid having corridors in the house, for aesthetic reasons as well as for avoiding loss of space. A cedar tree was planted in the internal patio,it being the emblem of the country found on the national flag , becoming the heart of the house.
Joy Alexandre Harb's Olympea House emerges from contemporary discourse surrounding biophilic architecture and the phenomenological experience of dwelling within landscape rather than upon it, representing a sophisticated synthesis of modernist formal vocabulary with deep sensitivity to topographical and ecological context. The design demonstrates remarkable compositional intelligence in its stepping arrangement of rectilinear volumes that cascade down the hillside, creating a rhythmic dialogue between horizontal terraces and vertical stone masses that echoes the natural stratification of geological formations. Technical accomplishment manifests through the seamless integration of living roof systems, the dramatic cantilever of the infinity pool over the precipice, and the masterful handling of the central waterfall feature where architectural intervention and natural boulder formations achieve genuine synthesis. The chromatic strategy proves equally sophisticated, establishing a considered palette where cool grey-blue stonework and luminous pool cyan find grounding through warm timber elements and the enveloping green of native vegetation. Harb's approach suggests deep engagement with questions of threshold and transition, creating graduated spatial experiences that move from the intimacy of interior volumes through sheltered terraces to exposed platforms commanding expansive views. The work participates in established traditions of organic architecture while advancing contemporary understanding of sustainable design integration. One might observe how the multiplicity of outdoor rooms, each offering distinct qualities of enclosure, prospect, and environmental character, creates opportunity for varied inhabitation according to time, mood, and season. How does architecture achieve the quality of inevitability, appearing as though it could exist nowhere else, arising from its specific place with the rightness of natural occurrence?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Embedded within the topography, the composition is formed of 2 L-shaped structures interacting on the ground floor, creating an internal green patio that can be visible from anywhere in the house. Because of this, there are no corridors in the house.
A Cedar tree, the emblem of Lebanon, have been placed in the internal patio, being the heart of the project. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The ground floor has an indoor built area of 600m2 and a terrace of 150m2.
The two basements underneath has a built area of 700m2 and a garden of 300m2. - Tags
- villa, luxury, housing, architecture, design
- Production Technology
- the house was covered in natural stone, low emission glass, mixed with black steel for the pergolas and fireplaces
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part was to execute the project with having minimum impact on the existing land
- Project Duration
- The project started in April 2016 and will finish in October 2018
- Operation Flow
- The building offers comfort through its generous interior space distribution, the luxurious views, and the high end quality of the materials used for the construction.The heated flooring and the low emission glass provide an efficient heating and cooling system that allows heat exchange between the ground and the rest of the space
- Research
- The study started by merging two L-shaped structures to create an internal green patio, while having the basement floors embedded into the mountain in order to merge the building with its surroundings.
- Inspiration
- While i first visited the site, i was amazed by the beauty of the mountain, and i wanted the have the least intervention possible. This is when we decided to embed the structure into the mountain and keep the surroundings as is.
- Image Credits
- Joy alexandre Harb / Architect / Co-founder of JYH International ARchitects
Colors of Olympea House
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G0E23 ShopDesign Interview about Olympea House
The design of Villa Olympea centers around harmonizing with nature while creating an elegant, functional living environment. The primary inspiration comes from blending contemporary architecture with natural surroundings, emphasizing open spaces, greenery, and light-filled interiors. The internal green patio, visible from most areas, represents a sanctuary that merges indoor and outdoor elements seamlessly.
The main focus was on creating a tranquil and aesthetically captivating space that promotes a connection with nature while providing comfort and luxury. By incorporating the central patio and using sustainable materials, the design aims to foster serenity and a sense of retreat, enhancing the residents' quality of life.
Future plans may include adapting this design for different contexts or scaling similar principles into larger projects. Leveraging its success, the design could inspire future works that emphasize biophilic architecture, promoting wellbeing through thoughtful integration of greenery and modernity.
The design process spanned several months, from initial conceptualization to finalized drawings. This time included research, collaboration with specialists, and multiple refinements to ensure the design met its aesthetic, functional, and environmental goals.
Villa Olympea was a commissioned project, driven by the client's desire for a contemporary yet serene living space. The concept aligns with my personal philosophy of integrating nature and architecture, making it both a professional and personal fulfillment.
The design is specific to this project and client, but its principles could inspire future projects. Any potential adaptations or rights would be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on interest and alignment with my architectural vision.
This type of work stems from my passion for creating spaces that enhance human connection with their environment. Designing a villa allowed me to experiment with open, green-centered layouts and sustainable architectural elements.
Influences include Zaha Hadid's bold architectural gestures and the minimalist elegance of Tadao Ando, as well as vernacular architectural practices that integrate nature and light.
The target customer is someone seeking a luxurious yet peaceful residential space, valuing modern aesthetics and a strong connection to nature.
The distinctiveness lies in the interplay between L-shaped structures and the internal green patio, creating a seamless dialogue between architecture and nature. The design prioritizes light, airflow, and views, setting it apart from traditional villa layouts.
The name Villa Olympea evokes a sense of grandeur and serenity, inspired by the mythological Mount Olympus, reflecting a space where beauty and comfort reign supreme.
Tools included advanced architectural software like AutoCAD, and 3D modeling programs such as SketchUp and Rhino, complemented by rendering software like V-Ray to visualize the concept.
The internal green patio is the standout feature, offering a private natural sanctuary visible from all angles, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
The project involved collaboration with structural engineers, landscape architects, and sustainability consultants to ensure a cohesive and functional outcome.
Technology played a crucial role in creating detailed models, ensuring precise execution, and optimizing the villa's environmental performance, from energy efficiency to natural ventilation.
Yes, site analysis informed the design, including sunlight patterns, prevailing winds, and the topography. Research also focused on sustainable materials and biophilic design principles to create a health-promoting space.
Challenges included ensuring structural integrity while maintaining openness and incorporating sustainable features without compromising aesthetics.
The decision was driven by the design's potential to inspire and its alignment with the competition's focus on innovation, sustainability, and aesthetics.
I deepened my understanding of integrating natural elements into modern architecture, emphasizing the importance of site-specific solutions and environmental considerations.
The essence of Villa Olympea is about more than aesthetics; it embodies a lifestyle. It’s a statement that modern architecture can be both luxurious and in harmony with the natural world, setting a benchmark for future projects.
Grand Interview about Olympea House
The inclusion of the cedar tree, Lebanon's national emblem, within the central green patio was a deliberate gesture to celebrate and honor the country's rich natural heritage. By integrating the two L-shaped structures around this symbolic element, the house not only pays homage to Lebanese identity but also provides an uninterrupted visual connection to nature from every part of the residence. This design choice addressed practical spatial challenges by eliminating corridors and creating a seamless flow between spaces, maximizing usable areas and fostering a sense of openness. Additionally, the internal patio acts as a microclimate, enhancing natural ventilation and light distribution, while providing a serene retreat at the core of the home.
Embedding Olympea House into the mountain required a meticulous balance of design sensitivity and engineering precision. We employed advanced topographical analysis to ensure that excavation was minimized and the natural contours of the mountain were preserved. Retaining walls were strategically placed to stabilize the structure while using reinforced concrete to ensure durability. Additionally, we opted for low-emission glass and natural stone cladding, which not only blend harmoniously with the environment but also reduce heat transfer, minimizing energy consumption. Rainwater harvesting systems and sustainable drainage techniques were incorporated to mitigate the environmental impact further, making the design a model for eco-conscious architecture.
Eliminating corridors in Olympea House allowed us to prioritize open-plan living and a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape. This design decision enhanced the flow of movement within the house, creating a more organic interaction between spaces. By replacing traditional hallways with interconnected living areas and direct views of the internal green patio, we fostered a sense of openness and unity. This approach also blurred the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, with large openings and terraces offering panoramic views and seamless transitions, encouraging occupants to engage more deeply with the natural environment.
Our material selection was guided by a commitment to both aesthetics and sustainability. Natural stone was chosen for its durability, local availability, and ability to integrate seamlessly with the mountain landscape, reinforcing the concept of embedding the house into its environment. Low-emission glass was incorporated to maximize natural light while minimizing heat transfer, thereby improving energy efficiency. Black steel added a contemporary contrast to the natural elements and was used strategically for pergolas and fireplaces, enhancing both structural functionality and visual appeal. This carefully curated palette ensured the residence exuded timeless elegance while adhering to sustainable building principles.
The heating and cooling system in Olympea House was designed to provide optimal comfort with minimal energy consumption. Heated flooring ensures even warmth throughout the residence during colder months, eliminating the need for intrusive radiators and enhancing aesthetic appeal. Low-emission glass plays a dual role: it reduces solar heat gain during summer and retains interior heat during winter. Together, these elements work synergistically with the home's thermal mass, leveraging the mountain's natural insulation properties. This integrated approach not only maintains a stable indoor climate but also significantly reduces the home's carbon footprint.
The internal green patio was envisioned as the heart of the home, dictating the spatial hierarchy and shaping the distribution of light and ventilation. By centering the patio, we ensured that natural light could penetrate deep into the residence, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The open layout allowed cross-ventilation, harnessing breezes to regulate indoor temperatures. This central feature also served as a natural gathering point, fostering a sense of community and connection within the household. The spatial hierarchy was intentionally organized to prioritize views and accessibility to the patio, reinforcing its role as the core element of the design.
Winning the Gold A' Design Award underscores the importance of harmonizing architecture with its natural context. Olympea House sets a precedent for future mountain homes by demonstrating how thoughtful design can integrate sustainability, cultural identity, and luxury. It challenges architects to think beyond conventional forms and explore innovative ways to blend structures with their surroundings. The house's success highlights the potential for architecture to celebrate local heritage while embracing modern solutions, inspiring designs that prioritize environmental sensitivity and cultural resonance in Lebanon and beyond.
Designing light-filled, subterranean spaces posed several challenges, particularly in ensuring adequate natural light and ventilation. We incorporated light wells and strategically placed openings to channel daylight into the basements, creating a sense of openness despite their location. The use of reflective surfaces and light-colored materials further enhanced brightness. Integrating the garden at the basement level established a visual and physical connection to the outdoors, mitigating the feeling of being underground. These design strategies allowed the basements to function as vibrant, livable spaces rather than merely auxiliary areas.
Balancing luxury with sustainability and cultural identity required close collaboration with the client. By incorporating high-end materials and modern amenities like heated flooring and custom finishes, we ensured the residence met the client's expectations for comfort and sophistication. Simultaneously, we embedded environmental features such as low-emission glass and a green patio to align with our vision of sustainability. The inclusion of the cedar tree and the house's integration into the mountain reinforced its cultural resonance, achieving a harmonious balance between the client's desires and the architectural vision.
The journey of realizing Olympea House provided invaluable lessons in adaptability and collaboration. One critical learning moment was managing the complexities of embedding the structure into the mountain, which required innovative engineering solutions and precise execution. Another was navigating material selection to balance aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. These experiences emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into every design decision. Additionally, the project underscored the value of maintaining a strong dialogue with clients and contractors to ensure the vision was faithfully executed. These lessons continue to shape our approach, reinforcing our commitment to creating architecture that is both innovative and contextually sensitive.