BLANKPAGE ARCHITECTS AMCHIT RESIDENCE, LEBANON

MEDIA AGENCY BLANKPAGE ARCHITECTS AMCHIT RESIDENCE, LEBANON

CONTENTS

1. Press release ...... 3 2. Description of the project ...... 5 3. Project credits and data ...... 6 4. Images for the press ...... 7 5. Profile of BLANKPAGE Architects ...... 21

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Susanne Lambert [email protected] office +39 055 4684 187 1. PRESS RELEASE: DECEMBER 1, 2014

BLANKPAGE Architects recently completed an elegant beach , perched along the ruggedly picturesque coastline in Lebanon, that offers exceptional views of the Mediterranean Sea. A pleasant seaside haven for a family of four that monopolizes on the beautifully warm Lebanese weather, inviting light in while maintaining privacy and security. In a city like Beirut, where urban chaos and changes are substantial, and where designers are constantly searching for a definition of a cultural identity, the architects at BLANKPAGE have been able to distill a language of their own, one that is capable to learn many lessons from history and to reinvent itself according to time, context and given conditions.

Amchit is a coastal town at the feet of Mount Lebanon, about 40 km north of Beirut. BLANKPAGE Architects recently completed an elegant beach house, perched along the ruggedly picturesque coastline of Central Lebanon, that uses its height and a small footprint to offer exceptional views of the Mediterranean Sea. A weekend beach house where the clients (a couple in their 50s with two kids in their 20s) can find respite from the daily grind, escaping the wear and tear of their everyday lifestyle.

The idea was two-fold: integrate the house within a rugged terrain, sloping from east to west, while commanding the best sea views for its occupants. The architects demonstrate a particular sensitivity to the landscape, integrating the within the topography, avoiding major disruptions to the land. This sensitivity is reflected also in the plans of the house, which show the interrelation between inside and outside, between and nature.

Built on a narrow 10-by-44-meter lot, the nearly 450 square meter, 3 house has three levels, with the master bedroom situated on the top to take maximum advantage of the sea views. All elements of this residence - including the tall glass , the outdoor and the infinity-edge pool - were, in fact, designed for optimized views and openness to the sea.The structure is distinguished by its large single-plane , which accommodates an elongated lap pool and an expansive sun deck, both directly accessible from the master bedroom.

The external promenade, with its ramps and terraces, is an extension of the building and connects it with the surrounding landscape. The interiors, uncluttered and minimalistically furnished, reflect the easy living requirements of the clients. A neutral palette of colors - the grey of the ceramic concrete-finish tile in the reception and bedroom areas, the warm brown of the Burma teak flooring in the master bedroom - complement the reddish timber and the concrete finishes of the interior walls. At the center of the house, a rectangular void is cut out to reconnect MEDIA AGENCY the interior with a view to the sky. The warm, wooden inner core of the dwelling flirts with light coming through the skylight and the expansive , reflecting the infinite change of light and shadow as it evolves throughout the day.

In the current architectural climate of globalization, which in Lebanon is especially exacerbated by social and political conflicts and sometimes drifts towards historicism and kitsch, BLANKPAGE Architects demonstrate a deep understanding of the Modernist lesson. They emerged, internationally, in 2011, following the completion of PIER 7 nightclub: a piece of land art that relates to its industrial context as well as to its natural seaside landscape.

p. 3 In a city like Beirut, characterized by urban chaos and by a promiscuity of styles, and surrounded by many colleagues who are in continuous search for a cultural identity, the architects at BLANKPAGE have been able to distill a language of their own, one that builds upon the original agenda of Modernism while at the same time being contextual, environmentally sensitive and responsive to the questions of cultural specificity. The name they chose for their practice says it all: every project starts from a blank page, as if each time it was restarting from scratch, without preconception of form or style.

press contact: Image MEDIA AGENCY Susanne Lambert [email protected] office +39 055 4684 187

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p. 4 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

Conceived as a layering of decks, the beach house seeks to maximize its relationship with the sea through a visual and compositional celebration of horizontality in general and the Mediterranean horizon in particular. The slabs are held by a minimal steel structure made of equally sized square on a regular module of 2.55m, as well as a discreet glass enclosure.

Given the inclined nature of the site, the house is approached by car on the street level just below the upper deck. At the external landing entrance, the circulation interconnects the three levels of the house. The upper platform contains the master bedroom that opens up on an elongated lap pool and expansive sun deck. The middle platform two and a family living. Finally, the lower deck serves as a reception area that extends outdoors towards the sea through an as well as a staircase to the shore. In addition to the inner circulation core, a smooth promenade formed by a system of external ramps and staircases connects the platforms, linking the various levels of the rocky landscape that stretches between the street all the way to the sea.

The rhythms of the steel structure and wooden decking create a multiplicity of overlapping patterns of shadows that vary in direction and length all through the day rendering the simple structure at once complex and alive. At the particular moment of the sunset, the house, oriented almost due west at the elevation that faces the sea, acts as photographic diaphragm that invites the rays of the setting sun into the depths of the house, dashing the prototypical spaces in a horizontal glow of deep red.

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p. 5 3. PROJECT CREDITS AND DATA

project name Amchit Residence

location Amchit, Lebanon

architects BLANKPAGE Architects (Karim Nader, Patrick Mezher, Walid Ghantous)

collaborators architect in charge: Jemma Chidiac mechanical engineering: Bachir Saade electrical engineering: Roger Noujeim structural engineering: Antoine Bou Chedid

dimensions plot dimensions: 10.5 meters x 44.3 meters plot area: 471 square meters built area: 430 square meters floor areas: living : 30 square meters; : 27 square meters; open : 22 square meters; guest : 2 square meters; : 5 square meters; laundry: 5 square meters; gym: 27 square meters; gym WC: 5 square meters; storage: 9 square meters; guard’s room: 11 square meters; technical spaces: 63 square meters; terrace: 123 square meters ground floor areas: bedroom 1: 18 square meters; bedroom 1 WC: 5 square meters; bedroom 2: 18 square meters; bedroom 2 WC: 5 square meters; : 28 square meters; electrical room: 2 square meters; guard’s room: 4 square meters; : 5 square meters; : 54 square meters; parking: 96 square meters first floor areas: master bedroom with bathroom: 37 square meters; living room: 16 square meters; upper terrace: 220 square meters

schedule design: May 2009 - May 2010 groundbreaking: January 2011 MEDIA AGENCY construction completed: August 2014

photographs Ieva Saudargaitė

press office Image MEDIA AGENCY (www.image-web.org)

p. 6 4. IMAGES FOR THE PRESS

The following images, available for press purposes at this page www.image-web.org/press_area/projects/72, are protected by copyright. Please contact Image MEDIA AGENCY at [email protected] to request high-res files and to publish them.

Image # 48100-PH_01_DSC1884 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. Aerial view from east. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 8,4 MB - 4743px × 2668px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

MEDIA AGENCY Image # 48100-PH_02_DSC1942 Image # 48100-PH_03_DSC1876 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. Aerial view from north-east. (Photo: Ieva Lebanon. The house is approached by car on the Saudargaitė). street level just below the upper deck. (Photo: Ieva Size: 7,8 MB - 4629px × 3086px (format JPG) Saudargaitė). Please note: This image is available for both paper and Size: 9,6 MB - 4928px × 3280px (format JPG) online publications. Please note: This image is available for both paper and online publications.

p. 7 Image # 48100-PH_04_EXT6 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The north elevation of the house, with its wooden decks in Burma teak. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 4,6 MB - 4241px × 1417px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for both paper and online publications.

Image # 48100-PH_07_EXT5 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The north elevation of the house with its wooden decks in Burma teak. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 11,5 MB - 4920px × 3280px (format JPG) MEDIA AGENCY Please note: This image is available for both paper and online publications.

Image # 48100-PH_05_DSC1874 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The south elevation of the house. (Photo: Ieva Image # 48100-PH_06_DSC0418 Saudargaitė). Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Size: 9,1 MB - 4770px × 2683px (format JPG) Lebanon. View from north. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Please note: This image is available for both paper and Size: 10,4 MB - 4823px × 3215px (format JPG) online publications. Please note: This image is available for both paper and online publications.

p. 8 Image # 48100-PH_08_DSC0500 Image # 48100-PH_10_EXT2 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The elongated lap pool and the expansive sun Lebanon. The elongated lap pool and the expansive sun deck, both directly accessible from the master bedroom deck, both directly accessible from the master bedroom on the first floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). on the first floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 7,9 MB - 4908px × 3272px (format JPG) Size: 8,6 MB - 4794px × 3196px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper Please note: This image is available for both paper and publications only. online publications.

Image # 48100-PH_09_DSC1865 MEDIA Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The elongated lap pool and the expansive sun deck, with AGENCY Burma teak flooring, both directly accessible from the master bedroom on the first floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 8,7 MB - 4832px × 3221px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

p. 9 Image # 48100-PH_11_DSC0357 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The infinity pool extending towards the sea, directly accessible from the living room on the basement floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 13,1 MB - 4892px × 3261px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

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Image # 48100-PH_12_DSC0390 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The infinity pool extending towards the sea, directly accessible from the living room on the basement floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 8,3 MB - 4859px × 3239px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

p. 10 Image # 48100-PH_13_DSC0402 Image # 48100-PH_14_DSC0395 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The infinity pool extending towards the sea, Lebanon. The infinity pool extending towards the sea, directly accessible from the living room on the basement directly accessible from the living room on the basement floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 10 MB - 4928px × 3280px (format JPG) Size: 10,5 MB - 4928px × 3280px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper Please note: This image is available for paper publications only. publications only.

Image # 48100-PH_15_DSC1917

MEDIA Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The infinity pool extending towards the sea, directly AGENCY accessible from the living room on the basement floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 11,2 MB - 4928px × 3280px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for both paper and online publications.

p. 11 Image # 48100-PH_16_DSC0407 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The wooden promenade on the south side of the house, at the basement floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 11,2 MB - 4928px × 3280px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

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Image # 48100-PH_21_EXT3 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The wooden promenade (Burma teak finish) at the ground floor, beneath the floor windows of the lap pool, and the concrete staircase, on the left, leading to the shore. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 8 MB - 4891px × 3261px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for both paper and online publications.

p. 12 Image # 48100-PH_22_DSC0411 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The concrete staircase leading to the shore. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 10,8 MB - 4867px × 3245px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

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Image # 48100-PH_23_DSC0442 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The balcony at the ground floor, with Burma teak flooring. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 1,6 MB - 2196px × 1235px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

p. 13 Image # 48100-PH_26_INT1 Image # 48100-PH_25_DSC0459 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The dining room table and, in the background, Lebanon. The dining room and the living room at the the open kitchen at the basement floor. (Photo: Ieva basement floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Saudargaitė). Size: 7,3 MB - 4590px × 3060px (format JPG) Size: 9,1 MB - 4729px × 3153px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper Please note: This image is available for both paper and publications only. online publications.

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Image # 48100-PH_28_DSC0466 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The dining room and the living room at the basement floor. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 9,9 MB - 4849px × 3233px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

p. 14 Image # 48100-PH_32_INT4 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The living room at the ground floor, with ceramic concrete-finish tile floor and concrete walls. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 10 MB - 4928px × 3280px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for both paper and online publications.

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Image # 48100-PH_33_INT3 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. View from the living room at the ground floor towards the west-facing balcony with Burma teak flooring. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 7,5 MB - 4815px × 3210px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for both paper and online publications.

p. 15 Image # 48100-PH_34_DSC1906 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The master bedroom at the first floor, with Burma teak flooring extending out to the balcony. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 7,5 MB - 4815px × 3210px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for both paper and online publications.

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Image # 48100-PH_35_DSC1901 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The master bedroom with bathroom at the first floor with Burma teak flooring. (Photo: Ieva Saudargaitė). Size: 7,9 MB - 4928px × 3280px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

p. 16 Image # 48100-DW_00 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. The site plan. Size: 678 KB (format PDF) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

Image # 48100-DW_01 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. Basement floor plan. Size: 245 KB (format PDF) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

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Image # 48100-DW_02 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. Ground floor plan. Size: 695 KB (format PDF) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

p. 17 Image # 48100-DW_03 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. First floor plan. Size: 685 KB (format PDF) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

Image # 48100-DW_04 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. Section A. Size: 168 KB (format PDF) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

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Image # 48100-DW_05 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. Section B. Size: 247 KB (format PDF) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

p. 18 Image # 48100-DW_06 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. North elevation. Size: 168 KB (format PDF) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

Image # 48100-DW_06 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. South elevation. Size: 84 KB (format PDF) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

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Image # 48100-SK_01 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. Sketch. Size: 8,6 MB - 8224px × 3200px (format JPG) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

p. 19 Image # 48100-DW_09 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. Pool detail. Size: 122 KB (format PDF) Please note: This image is available for paper publications only.

Image # 48100-DW_08 Caption: BLANKPAGE Architects. Amchit Residence, Lebanon. section detail. Size: 300 KB (format PDF) MEDIA Please note: This image is available for paper AGENCY publications only.

p. 20 5. PROFILE OF BLANKPAGE ARCHITECTS

BLANKPAGE is Patrick Mezher, Karim Nader and Walid Ghantous.

Founded in the year 2000, BLANKPAGE is a collaborative design of architects, urban designers and artists. Driven by the desire to produce architecture of high quality and craftsmanship, the studio’s goal is to start every project from a blank page, i.e. without preconception of form or style.

The studio’s credo is that each project should respond to the specificities of the context it stems from and that, driven by the symbolic and historical manifestations which are present in the place and the particularities of the given program, the resulting building will be an event that moves the city and its inhabitants into a novel experience of space.

The growing portfolio of projects tackles a variety of programs in the contexts of Lebanon and the Arab World. BLANKPAGE’s experience ranges from public (cineplexes, museum, night clubs) to residential and commercial developments. Completed in June 2011, Pier 7 has been featured in several local and international publications. Currently, Tahan Villa and Amchit Residence are completed and a major seaside mansion is under construction. The completed works also feature a 3,500sqm retail and office space in Sin el Fil and an office tower in Chiah. In 2011, BLANKPAGE was declared winner of two competitions, SEF 355 office complex in Sin el Fil commissioned by Express International, as well as TRIADE, a multi-use project commissioned by MEDPROPERTIES and M-Tower S.A.L. In 2012, BLANKPAGE was declared the laureate of the Kfardebiane country club competition amongst a panel of twelve competing firms.

The uniqueness of BLANKPAGE’s villa propositions, such as the Amchit Residence, Monsef beach house and Tahhan Villa, have earned them a solid reputation as specialists of bespoke residential solutions. These models are currently being experimented upon on the international scale.

blankpagearch.com

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p. 21 PRESS OFFICE

For additional information, to receive high resolution images and to set up an interview with the architect you may contact:

Susanne Lambert Image MEDIA AGENCY via Venti Settembre 84 50129 Firenze, Italy

[email protected] office +39 055 4684 187

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