Villa A by Carl Gerges Architects, Faraya, Lebanon

Set within the rugged mountains of Faraya, Lebanon, Villa A by Carl Gerges Architects is a refined exploration of modernist architecture deeply rooted in its natural context. Positioned within a winter landscape shaped by rock, snow, and seasonal transformation, the residence embodies a quiet dialogue between geometry, materiality, and terrain.

Spanning 1,500 m², the villa is carefully integrated into its sloping site, allowing its elongated form and horizontal lines to echo the contours of the surrounding mountains. Rather than dominating the landscape, the architecture recedes into it, an approach that prioritizes harmony over spectacle. The composition unfolds as a series of layered volumes, subtly embedded within the terrain and unified by a restrained material palette.

The arrival sequence introduces a sense of solidity and weight. A stone-and-concrete entrance, framed by large wooden doors, establishes a tactile connection to the mountain environment. From this point, the house gradually reveals itself across three levels, opening toward expansive views through a panoramic glass façade that frames the surrounding peaks and the infinity pool beyond.

This seamless transition between interior and exterior is a defining feature of the project. Floor-to-ceiling glazing dissolves boundaries, allowing natural light to flood the interiors while maintaining uninterrupted visual continuity with the landscape. The pool extends the architectural rhythm outward, reflecting columns and reinforcing the linear cadence of the design. 

Materiality plays a central role in shaping the villa’s identity. Locally sourced stone is used extensively across multiple scales, from large exterior walls to finely detailed interior mosaics and gravel surfaces, creating a cohesive language that mirrors the textures of the mountain itself. Concrete, treated with ribbed and hand-finished techniques, introduces a rhythmic pattern that enhances the building’s horizontal expression.

Wood elements, particularly in shutters and interior finishes, add warmth and tactility to the otherwise monochromatic palette. These massive wooden shutters serve both functional and aesthetic purposes: they can completely enclose the house during off-seasons while providing a rich, handcrafted contrast to the mineral surfaces.

The landscape design further reinforces the project’s sensitivity to context. Gardens and green roofs are carefully integrated, offering seasonal variation that softens the rocky terrain. In spring, bursts of vegetation introduce color and life, while in winter, snow blankets the house, transforming it into a serene, almost ethereal presence within the mountains.

Inside, the spatial experience is defined by light, texture, and continuity. Stone walls, concrete partitions, and wooden elements interact with shifting daylight, creating an ever-changing atmosphere throughout the day. Skylights and large openings ensure that the interior remains in constant dialogue with the exterior environment, whether it be the warmth of sunlight or the stillness of falling snow.

Villa A is not merely a luxury residence; it is an architectural meditation on place, material, and time. By combining modernist clarity with regional craftsmanship, Carl Gerges Architects have created a home that is both contemporary and timeless. The project exemplifies how architecture can engage with its surroundings in a meaningful way, enhancing, rather than overpowering, the natural beauty of its setting.

All the Photographs are works of Carl Gerges Architects