Beirut Penthouse

Located on the 9th level of an apartment block the articulation of this project is also related to its geographic location. Virtually situated on the former demarcation line which separated east and west Beirut, this apartment opens up onto “the hell” of its city, placing it neither east nor west but in between. Whereas usual preference for Mediterranean roof apartments is to turn their backs on the urban fabric in exchange for a sea view. Designed by Bernard Khoury this apartment is oriented toward the city, taking advantage of the setbacks imposed due to the surrounding projects defining its entire periphery. These include the Maronite Cemetery, the Beirut Hippodrome and various institutional buildings.

The apartment comprises three levels, the entry level contains the reception space, the dining room, the master bedroom as well as the kitchen. The mezzanine level accommodates two additional bedrooms, as well the continuation of the floor-to-ceiling library accessible at this level by a steel grating bridge crossing the entire frame of the reception, and seemingly floating once the floor-to-ceiling glazing is retracted. Lastly, the uppermost level houses the pool terrace, as well as a guest studio and staff quarters.

The wood panel cladding of the reception space is defined by a layout that starts at the floor, folding onto the walls and ceiling, and extending throughout the rest of the rooms. This same cladding layout defines that of the steelwork, which ultimately frames the focal point of the room, a piece affixed to the ceiling housing all air conditioning and ventilation equipment.

Lastly, the outdoor pool terrace at the roof level is crowned by two antennae containing the decks light fixtures. Southward oriented, these cannon-like pivoting projections exceed the height average of their adjacent buildings, making them visible from surrounding neighbourhoods.

images courtesy  Bernard Khoury