This summer beach house for a family of five and three guests is situated in Jbeil, along the northern coast of Lebanon.

Despite its rugged nature, the site is restricted by a mandatory 10 metre shoreline setback, limiting the project’s placement to a relatively flat area between a secondary private road and the sea.

Nevertheless, the project aims at preserving the natural qualities of the site by seamlessly integrating itself to the existing landscape.

Consequently, the overall design strategy had major implications on the programmatic and tectonic concept of the beach house.

The top level is constructed as a platform, raised on short columns, with the intention of minimal alteration of the natural rocky landscape, while enhancing the view of the shoreline. 

Elevating and lowering of the terraces creates a sequence of seating placements that further animates the outdoor deck.

The guest quarters enjoy the independence of a guest-house while connecting to the main house.

This article first appeared on the Raed Abillama Architects website.

See also:

N Residence by Raed Abillama Architects

Historical Lebanese home reinvented by Nabil Gholam Architects

Residence in Faqra, Lebanon designed by Bernard Khoury Architects