- Architecture & development
Located in the most arid and historic natural landscape of Lebanon, Villa Chams blends into its surroundings and embraces the identity of the landscape. Carl Gerges Architects designed the residence as a serene and natural retreat.
Villa Chams is located in Baalabek in Lebanon. The horizontal structure blends into the barren brown landscape of stones, olive trees and mountains. ‘Sporadically equidistant walls and columns orchestrate a rhythmic flow on a rudimentary grid, creating both introverted spaces and open extensions,’ the studio notes. The rooms of the villa are naturally decorated with concrete, stone, lots of natural light and layers creating an ‘earthly sensory balance’. 
Carl Gerges Architects designs serene, earthly refuge
The interior feels warm and welcoming and almost got a dreamy look. The entire residence is shrouded in a natural, earthly aesthetic that radiates tranquillity. ‘Touching on all elements of the earth, this house is meticulously designed to emit feelings of harmonious tranquility with nature’s many sensorial layers, for a solemn retreat,’ Gerges says. Indoor and outdoor spaces merge into one another – sometimes literally – bringing the landscape inside thanks to the palette and transitions. In this way, the water from the swimming pool flows out through the columns and reaches adjoining rocks where there is a beautiful view. The seasonal character of Baalabek adds an extra dimension to this impressive residence: ‘Dry and sunny days can be enjoyed under shaded areas and within cooling rocks, while chilly mystical nights can be spent stargazing by the fireplace around the heated pool,’ says Gerges. 
Carl Gerges Architects is an architecture studio based in Beirut. When Carl Gerges founded his studio, it was an instant success. His own home soon appeared on the cover of AD Middle East. With a lot of (travel) experience the designer is inspired by different architectural styles, cultures and philosophies. In his designs he always takes into account the social, ecological and historical context of the project. In this way he always reaches honest and personal achievements such as the beautiful Villa Chams. 
Images © Carl Gerges Architects