Capsule Retreat: Where Architecture, Art, and Nature Meet in the Lebanese Mountains
Project Site and Design
Nestled in the hills of Zebqouqa Village in the Lebanese mountains, a unique house stands that feels more like a work of art than a conventional residence. The Capsule Retreat, designed by East Architecture Studio, spans 350 square meters. It combines concrete and glass in a way that allows it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding pine forests. This gives it an impressive presence and makes visitors feel as if they have stepped into a completely different world.
Design Philosophy
Founders Charles Katana and Nicolas Fayad aimed to create a design deeply rooted in this specific location. It is based on concepts of texture, memory, and connection to the local environment. This reflects a profound understanding of the surroundings and a desire for the house to serve as a natural extension of the landscape, rather than merely a solid structure.
Material Usage and Craftsmanship
The house openly showcases its use of concrete, yet there is a clear sensitivity in its design approach. The exposed walls reveal experimental casting techniques, celebrating the raw material while highlighting local craftsmanship. This balance between experimentation and respect for industrial heritage adds visual depth and a tactile experience for visitors.
Indoor-Outdoor Transition
When the northern facade is opened, the terraced gardens flow seamlessly into the surrounding forest. This creates a natural transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design approach enhances the sense of openness and direct connection to nature. It gives the house significant environmental and psychological dimensions.
Combining Living and Art
This house is more than just a holiday retreat; it serves as both a residence and an art exhibition space. It is designed to offer a unique experience, where artworks coexist seamlessly with the homeowner’s daily life. The concrete surfaces act as neutral canvases, capable of hosting ever-changing exhibitions. Carefully designed windows allow natural light to move through the spaces, continuously altering the way art and space are experienced together.
Narrating the Place Through Materials
The construction method reflects a dialogue between site and tradition. Local stone anchors the structure within its mountainous surroundings, while concrete showcases regional building techniques with a contemporary touch. There is clarity and beauty in the way the materials reveal themselves. The formwork patterns become part of the project’s visual language, reinforcing its connection to the surrounding environment.
Attention to Site Details
The architects emphasize the importance of “listening” to the site, a concept manifested in every detail of the project. This attentiveness is evident in how light interacts with the spaces and the nature of the materials used. The gradation of edges and ceilings creates a holistic sensory experience. This combines beauty, functionality, and a strong sense of place.
Fluidity Between Spaces
Inside the house, spaces flow seamlessly without fuss or rigid boundaries. Gallery areas blend naturally with living spaces. The large openings frame views of the Lebanese countryside like living paintings that change with the seasons. This design encourages visitors to pause and pay attention to every detail, enhancing a rich and ever-evolving sensory experience.
Connection Between Building and Nature
The terraced gardens extend as an architectural continuation, making it difficult to determine where the building ends and the natural landscape begins. This integration of indoor and outdoor spaces reflects the design’s ability to create a holistic experience. This connects inhabitants to their surroundings in a unique way.
Architecture and Culture
The house manages to combine absolute modernity with a deep connection to its place. Collaboration with Iraqi artist Dia Azzawi, whose works have become a permanent part of the building, demonstrates how architecture can serve as a vessel for culture and memory. In a world full of repetitive architecture, Capsule Retreat feels entirely rooted in the Lebanese mountains, as if it has always been there.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The Capsule Retreat project can be seen as a strong example of harmony between architecture, art, and nature. On one hand, the house stands out for its innovative design, attention to material and light details, and its ability to provide visitors with a fully immersive sensory experience. On the other hand, some may find that the experimental nature of the concrete and exposed surfaces may not appeal to all tastes. Additionally, the open natural setting and large spaces might require continuous maintenance to ensure the ideal experience is preserved. In this way, the project offers a mix of admiration and potential debate, making it a rich subject for reflection and observation without passing absolute judgment.
Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team
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