DESIGN NAME: Private Penthouse
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Residential
INSPIRATION: We worked alongside the owner, an aesthete and art collector, to obtain an exceptionally brilliant result, an enchanting apartment. Long considered as nature most classic colors, the black and white dualism, dominating the apartment, gives it a strikingly sophisticated and stylish look. Perched on the highest floors, in a four building complex, this penthouse is a sanctuary of serenity, style and elegance.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The furniture layout give the space an open, airy feeling. The majority of the 1st floor has been devoted to the reception area, highlighting its stupendous proportions. On one side, two chairs sit facing two couches, emphasizing a white marble textured wall on which is hanging a big painting. Above the wall, a zenithal lighting was created to allow natural light in, creating the illusion that the wall is running through the ceiling.
On the other side of the reception area, a fireplace bring both warmth and style to the apartment. The red painting on the metal wall brings a bright touch of color to the otherwise very grey, black and white volume. The area then extends to a corridor that leads to the dining room and the kitchen. To distinguish the different areas while maintaining the open space ambiance, the dining room, is separated from the corridor by an illuminated decorative resin panel, giving the room a more intimate feeling. As one goes up the stairs to the 2nd floor, the first thing they lay their eyes on is a lounge reading area overlooking the reception. The area opens on a door that leads to a corridor leading to the guest bedroom and into the master suite which can be defined as supreme luxury with its 2 separate dressing rooms. The suite is completed with mirror stainless steel sliding panels that stand in front of the windows to blend in with the decor and protect from the sun allowing the resident to enjoy both the view and their privacy. The cherry on top is the sliding frosted glass doors which hide the 2nd spacious dressing room and a kitchenette directly connected to the main kitchen through a dumbwaiter that leads also to the rooftop. For an exotic touch, the entrance is embraced by a large back lit square pattern green wall that leads to a panoramic pool. The roof also comprises an intimate terrace which includes a drink bar and a lounge characterized by wide built-in couches illuminated with a relaxing indirect light underneath the shade of black stretched sails to provide the utmost privacy. The refreshing and peaceful vibes of the rooftop, makes it the perfect haven in the middle of the crowded, noisy city.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: As one enters the apartment, they can not but notice the magnificent staircase that serves as the backbone of the apartment, connecting each side of the space to the other, both physically and visually from the bottom where lies the reception area, then to the rooms, and lastly, all the way up to the palatial rooftop and modern pool. This majestic open flight staircase is composed of stainless steel mirror finish and white marble steps, under which unfolds a perfectly lit exquisite Japanese garden. The unique material reflects various elements, of which the garden, thus maximizing the visual impact of the green.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project is located in the heart of Ashrafieh, only five minutes away from Downtown Beirut, LEBANON.
The duration of the construction of the whole building took 4 years from spring 2014 till summer 2017 and the interior works were done during the last 3 years in parallel with the progress of the building.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Interior Space and Exhibition Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The double height ceiling of the main reception area, with a special hidden concrete inverted beams structure to hold the pool above it, and the glass roof panels along with floor to ceiling windows, equipped with aluminum motorized electric louver reduce the need for electric light and protect the apartment from the heat, making it a sustainable aspect that brings the beautiful design features out of hiding.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: While furniture, lighting and contemporary art contribute to the subtle refinement of the penthouse, the choice of noble materials has played an equally vital role. The mixture of white Statuary marble, ebony wood, polished chrome, Bardiglio grey marble and striated metal added a touch of luxury to the contemporary design.
To bring an additional touch of extravagance to the penthouse, a cracked wall with indirect lighting inspired by the wall rupture was executed from the base of the stairs towards the roof with a total length of 10m.
The Pool at the roof is embellished with a sublime lines of black, white and silver mosaics.
TAGS: Luxury, Trendy, Impressive, Black and White, Arts and Design, Materials and Finishes, Functionality, Practicality, Privacy
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Tucked within a sea of concrete buildings, this apartment brings back the beauty of nature to the everyday city life. Known for their plentiful health benefits, far eastern plants such as bamboo and bonsai trees help clean and purify the air within the apartment and create a calm and tranquil environment for the inner city resident. Not only are these decorative plants aesthetically pleasing, but they also add freshness, ambiance, character and life to an otherwise bland space.
CHALLENGE: From a zen internal garden to a lavish rooftop pool, the penthouse has been specifically designed to make the urbanite feel both at home and at the perfect retreat. Despite the apartment’s longitudinal shape, the best was made of the space to optimize the three main assets of the 330 sqm apartment which are double height ceiling of around 6 meters, bright light and green terrace.
ADDED DATE: 2019-09-18 13:35:01
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Imad El Khoury, 2016
Image #2: Photographer Imad El Khoury, 2016
Image #3: Photographer Imad El Khoury, 2016
Image #4: Photographer Imad El Khoury, 2016
Image #5: Photographer Imad El Khoury, 2016
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: No patent, trademark or registered notices.
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