Villa Papillon by WORKac – A Dialogue Between Art, Architecture, and Landscape in Lebanon

Rethinking the Relationship Between Art, Architecture, and Landscape

Villa Papillon is conceived as a dialogue between contemporary design, Mediterranean nature, and private art display. Designed for a Lebanese art collector and his family, the villa integrates living spaces with curated art experiences, while embracing the sea and landscape as part of daily life.

Spatial Organization and Family Living

Courtyard as the Heart of the Home

The house is structured around an open-air central courtyard, serving as both a social hub and a natural ventilation source.

Sea-Facing Living Spaces

• The main living room and master suite open directly toward the Mediterranean Sea.
• The family room, dining area, and kitchen extend into the courtyard, blending interior and exterior living.
• On the upper level, the children’s bedrooms overlook the living room, reinforcing connections across generations and spaces.

Architecture and Privacy

Transparent and Solid Facades

• Rear façade: solid walls ensure privacy from public pathways.
• Front façade: expansive glass facades with sliding doors dissolve boundaries, immersing residents in the coastal setting.

Walls as Functional Elements

Perpendicular walls organize the villa while serving multiple functions:

• Structuring circulation through staircases.
• Integrating storage and cabinets.
• Acting as backdrops to showcase the owner’s art collection.

Climate-Responsive and Geometric Roof Design

Green Roof and Shading Trellises

The folded green roof extends into steel and aluminum trellises, designed to:

• Provide shade during hot summers.
• Allow sunlight during cooler winters.

Triangular Roof Language

The roof’s triangular geometry flows seamlessly across:

• The villa’s architecture.
• The courtyard and patio.
• The pools and surrounding landscape.

 A Mediterranean Villa as Cultural Statement

Villa Papillon is more than a residence—it is a cultural and architectural statement. By blending art, family life, and Mediterranean coastal design, WORKac has created a home that celebrates openness, privacy, and the timeless connection between architecture and landscape.

All Photographs are works of Miguel de Guzman