Le Petit Chalet // Private Residence
_Use Cover1785308574.jpg)
1785308788.jpg)
1785309107.jpg)
1785309888.jpg)
1785309994.jpg)
1785310251.jpg)
1785310844.jpg)
1785310900.jpg)
Located at an altitude of 1,800 m above the sea level, this little hideout stands out in the heart of Faqra’s luxurious ski resort known for its intriguing rocky formation.
These beautiful sequoia trees standing proud side by side marking the entrance, create an intriguing and warm interplay of light and shade. Interaction starts at the front door and keeps enrolling as you wander all along.
A green carpet embraces the chalet, acting as a gentle escort. It also creates a vivid and visual boundary with the existing surrounding: a touch of green amid monochromatic and earthy tones which mimic the rocks. Every element, every detail blends.
The main challenge was rehabilitating the existing chalet’s outdoor space with an intent to maximise it. This came with several constraints to work around. The already built pool was refurbished where an interactive wooden deck was integrated, the infinity pool was elevated, giving it a powerful structure where water flows over its three borders, and consequently the visual impact is higher. The selected tiling material and colour captivates the light and reflects the sky. The pool acts as a mirror of the endless sky you’re basking beneath. That sheer overflow also appears to vanish within the surrounding greyish rocks, intactly preserved, honouring the rich ecosystem that has evolved throughout the years. While shaping this garden, these rocks weren’t treated as a liability, on the contrary, these were embraced as the focal point on which the design evolved around.
The access to the pool was also shifted along with its function. Chilling by the pool acquires another savour. At its right proximity, a sophisticated shaded sitting area overlooks the entire plot from the back garden to the cozy chalet up front. It occupies a vantage point from which the city view blending with those imposing cliffs keeps you speechless. A sophisticated claustra shapes this area, allowing for optimal natural ventilation, cooling, privacy and light.
When the sun sets, the sky puts on a dramatic show, and the garden takes on a poetic aspect where time stands still and a warm euphoria envelops you. The lighting strategy is refined, minimalistic and on point. It is cozy, inviting and acts as a dynamic element that illuminates the pathways, the infinity pool, the unframed view, the hidden corners. The sun might go down but the garden slowly and gloriously lights up, diffusing the adequate atmosphere.
Although the garden is levelled due to its slope nature, the transition from the indoor to the outdoor is seamless, and the boundary of the property’s limit smoothly fades away.
Accessing the garden is done through scattered long strips of grey stone with contrasting colourful trees shrubs and flowers popping along and unravelling the way down. Not only is the colour mélange interesting, it offers a visual pause and a sense of unity.
The interaction at the lower garden was kept to a minimum by gently introducing adaptive vegetation which thrives in dry and mountainous conditions and that was distributed across the existing nature and imposing intact rocks.
The choice of plant was very challenging. The softscape is clearly chosen to contrast, yet complement, with the hardscape in form and in colour. The plant material is native, implying its adaptability to the harsh and changing climate conditions and its requiring less maintenance and irrigation compared to other species.
This cozy nested getaway that communes so well with nature, and an enchanted garden that frames unobstructed jaw-dropping views, will nurture your soul.
// Faqra - Lebanon
These beautiful sequoia trees standing proud side by side marking the entrance, create an intriguing and warm interplay of light and shade. Interaction starts at the front door and keeps enrolling as you wander all along.
A green carpet embraces the chalet, acting as a gentle escort. It also creates a vivid and visual boundary with the existing surrounding: a touch of green amid monochromatic and earthy tones which mimic the rocks. Every element, every detail blends.
The main challenge was rehabilitating the existing chalet’s outdoor space with an intent to maximise it. This came with several constraints to work around. The already built pool was refurbished where an interactive wooden deck was integrated, the infinity pool was elevated, giving it a powerful structure where water flows over its three borders, and consequently the visual impact is higher. The selected tiling material and colour captivates the light and reflects the sky. The pool acts as a mirror of the endless sky you’re basking beneath. That sheer overflow also appears to vanish within the surrounding greyish rocks, intactly preserved, honouring the rich ecosystem that has evolved throughout the years. While shaping this garden, these rocks weren’t treated as a liability, on the contrary, these were embraced as the focal point on which the design evolved around.
The access to the pool was also shifted along with its function. Chilling by the pool acquires another savour. At its right proximity, a sophisticated shaded sitting area overlooks the entire plot from the back garden to the cozy chalet up front. It occupies a vantage point from which the city view blending with those imposing cliffs keeps you speechless. A sophisticated claustra shapes this area, allowing for optimal natural ventilation, cooling, privacy and light.
When the sun sets, the sky puts on a dramatic show, and the garden takes on a poetic aspect where time stands still and a warm euphoria envelops you. The lighting strategy is refined, minimalistic and on point. It is cozy, inviting and acts as a dynamic element that illuminates the pathways, the infinity pool, the unframed view, the hidden corners. The sun might go down but the garden slowly and gloriously lights up, diffusing the adequate atmosphere.
Although the garden is levelled due to its slope nature, the transition from the indoor to the outdoor is seamless, and the boundary of the property’s limit smoothly fades away.
Accessing the garden is done through scattered long strips of grey stone with contrasting colourful trees shrubs and flowers popping along and unravelling the way down. Not only is the colour mélange interesting, it offers a visual pause and a sense of unity.
The interaction at the lower garden was kept to a minimum by gently introducing adaptive vegetation which thrives in dry and mountainous conditions and that was distributed across the existing nature and imposing intact rocks.
The choice of plant was very challenging. The softscape is clearly chosen to contrast, yet complement, with the hardscape in form and in colour. The plant material is native, implying its adaptability to the harsh and changing climate conditions and its requiring less maintenance and irrigation compared to other species.
This cozy nested getaway that communes so well with nature, and an enchanted garden that frames unobstructed jaw-dropping views, will nurture your soul.
// Faqra - Lebanon