Obeid Retail Complex by nunc Architecture and Design: A Bold New Icon for Lebanon’s Mountainous Commercial Landscape

Nestled within the mountainous region of Lebanon, the Obeid Retail Complex by nunc Architecture and Design redefines the identity of a growing commercial hub. Completed in 2024 and spanning 4,000 m², the project introduces a striking architectural presence that elevates a major local supermarket chain while attracting new retail brands to the area. Through its bold form, innovative façade, and multifunctional layout, the complex establishes itself as a forward-looking architectural landmark in Beirut’s expanding commercial network.

Designed by lead architects Manhal Kaassamany, Ribal Haidar, and Diana Aridi, the building merges retail, social interaction, and modern engineering into a seamless urban experience. The program includes a three-level supermarket, a food court, open parking, and upper-level offices and retail zones. Intuitive circulation ensures ease of movement, enabling uninterrupted operations and enhancing user comfort.

At its conceptual core lies the idea of “dropping a weirdo” — an intentionally disruptive gesture that contrasts sharply with the surrounding vernacular. The cantilevered upper floors extend confidently over the street, creating a bold architectural statement while shaping a sheltered, welcoming entrance. This distinctive form asserts a new identity for the district and reshapes the surrounding streetscape.

The façade design embodies a contemporary industrial aesthetic, balancing raw expression with refined geometry. Wrapped in a white aluminum skin generated through algorithmic logic, the exterior features layered perforations that alternate between solid and transparent patterns. This double-skin façade not only conceals irregular interior functions but also enhances shading, privacy, and natural ventilation. The cavity between the layers retains heat in winter while promoting ventilation in summer, significantly reducing energy use and reliance on mechanical systems.

The project’s compact site and narrow frontage led to a vertical stacking of spaces and the development of the dramatic cantilever that amplifies visibility. Large interior spans required advanced structural engineering, including tension cables and precision concrete work, pushing the limits of local construction methods. Inside, exposed concrete and visible mechanical systems contrast with the sleek aluminum exterior, expressing a dialogue between rugged functionality and sculpted elegance.

All photographs are works of Bahaa Ghoussainy