Cut From Water’s Edge: The Stone Villas of Lebanon

From delicate stone screens to solid envelopes, these buildings emerge from their surroundings as ordered, hierarchical volumes.

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Between steep mountains and the Mediterranean Sea lies Lebanon, a country rich with history and culture. Inhabited since before recorded history, the land has belonged to many empires and civilizations, including the Egyptians, Romans, and Ottomans. Gaining independence in 1943, Lebanon now stands as a dynamic cultural center along the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Basin. Known across the world for its capital city of Beirut, or the ‘Paris of the Middle East,’ the country’s cities and building traditions have evolved dramatically over time. Lebanon was once covered in forests of cedar trees, a natural resource used for construction that would eventually become emblematic of the country itself. However, exploitation and deforestation of cedar groves would drive builders to stone, a material readily found within the nearby mountains.

Today, stone houses can be found throughout Lebanon. Making use of limestone, granite, and various aggregates, these residences explore different relationships between mass and void. Crafted as rectilinear retreats with solid foundations, the houses open up the Lebanese landscape while providing secure spaces for living and relaxation. Whether designed with delicate stone screens or solid walls and envelopes, these buildings emerge from their surroundings as ordered, hierarchical volumes referencing place. The following collection examines Lebanon’s stone villas and their designs across the country. Varied in scale and context, the modern residences show how a common material can be used to create an uncommon and dynamic architecture for contemporary life.

Plot 580 Bsous by David Aouad | Hands, Lebanon

Divided into many levels, this residence was created with double-height spaces that respond to the interior program. A basement, ground floor, split first level, and roof level combine within an exterior shell that opens to the north.

Villa Yarze by Raed Abillama Architects, Baabda, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon

Villa Yarze was created as a renovation of an existing structure. New spaces and programs were introduced, and careful attention was placed on the house’s large openings which integrate stone pedestals and lintels.

Fidar Beach House by Raed Abillama Architects, Fidar, Jbeil, Lebanon

The Fidar Beach House is located along the northern coast of Lebanon. Designed for eight occupants, the building aimed to integrate within the site and preserve its natural qualities. Public spaces are organized on the entry level, with private spaces below. Tailored openings respond to different programs while highlighting the surrounding landscape.

Villa H – Private Villa Lebanon by MARIAGROUP, Batroumine, Lebanon

Combining a split layout and shared public spaces, the Villa H was designed for multiple generations. A range of materials were chosen to delineate different sections in the house, including white plaster, gray stone, and wood slats. Windows were placed to create long interior views, welcome light, and frame the nearby gardens and orchard.

M & K House by Raed Abillama Architects, Lot 649, Dbayeh, Lebanon

This private residential project is located in the town of Dbayeh between Beirut and Jounieh. Completed in 2007, the house was designed upon gently terraced levels. The stone exterior meets a generous pool space and outdoor lawn to the rear of the house.

Salame Residence by VDLA, Faqra, Lebanon

Designed as a family home for the holidays, the Salame Residence rests on a large granite stone foundation. The designed was carved to frame views and provide privacy. Changing rooms and showers for the pool are set with the granite base, while a concave area to the house’s rear forms a sunken garden space.

Tahan Villa by BLANKPAGE Architects, Kfour, Lebanon

Tahan Villa was created to celebrate views to the bay of Jounieh. The building was conceptualized as a floating volume in the landscape, like the rocks found along the terrain. Formally, a horizontal box is suspended above multiple platforms, a space that’s clad in sliding stone panels to echo the texture of the rocks.

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Author: Eric Baldwin

Based in New York City, Eric was trained in both architecture and communications. As Director of Communications at Sasaki, he has a background spanning media, academia, and practice. He's deeply committed to trying as many restaurants as possible in NYC.