Courtyard House

Courtyard House represents an architectural meditation on the tension between urban density and domestic tranquility. Located in one of Beirut's most vibrant neighborhoods, the residence turns inward to create a private world insulated from the city's dynamic energy. The design draws upon the Lebanese tradition of the central hall house, reinterpreting its generous proportions and emphasis on natural ventilation through a rigorously contemporary geometric language. The result is a dwelling that feels both deeply rooted in regional traditions and unmistakably of its moment.

The spatial sequence unfolds with cinematic precision. Visitors enter through a compressed threshold before emerging into the double-height courtyard, where a reflecting pool amplifies the sense of openness and sky. The living spaces wrap around this void on two levels, connected by a sculptural steel staircase that appears to float against the pristine white walls. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels blur the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing the courtyard to become a living room without walls during the mild Mediterranean months. At night, the illuminated interior transforms the house into a glowing lantern, casting geometric shadows across the courtyard.

Every material decision serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. The white stucco exterior reflects harsh summer sunlight while creating a neutral backdrop for the surrounding greenery. Interior floors of local terrazzo provide thermal mass that stabilizes interior temperatures. The steel frame structure allows for column-free spans that maximize flexibility, while deep roof overhangs shade the glass walls during peak sun hours. Courtyard House demonstrates that sophisticated environmental performance and spatial luxury are not competing priorities but complementary aspects of thoughtful design.