Article source: SOMA architects

Responding to strong and specific data, our proposal for this project purposefully takes into consideration the cultural heritage in which it is set. Situated at terminus of the Damour River, the site is a gently sloping terrain with stupendous views of the Mediterranean and the river. Our proposal utilizes a radical system that is found in several natural formations: a branching configuration. It seemed like the natural solution to gently break down the site’s slope into a series of volumes perfectly oriented to the key sea and river views without obstruction from other buildings. Each “branch” allows direct street access, both pedestrian and vehicular, and soon individual volumes start to emerge following a rigorous strategy of sitting, form and placement in relation to external context, program requirements, and maximized privacy.

Image Courtesy © SOMA architects

• Architects: SOMA architects
• Project: Nikki Beach Resort
• Location: Damour, Lebanon
• Principal: Michel Abboud
• Partner: Leo Sguera
• Lead Designers: Fady Stefan
• Setting: Rural, Coastal
• Status: Aborted   (more…)