Chalets Dada: A Masterpiece of Residential Architecture

Architect Joy Alexandre Harb's Award-Winning Design in Lebanon's Faraya Resorts

The design of Chalets Dada was inspired by the simplicity and innocence of a child's drawing of a house. This primitive shape was then remodeled to suit the client's needs and the city's regulations. The result is a building that embodies beauty and sophistication, with a layout consisting of simple geometric shapes, a play in solids and voids, and a mix of materials.

The building is layered with three floors and a basement, hosting one single residential unit and two duplexes. Each floor has a built area of 220m2, including external walls, equating to a total built-up area of 880m2 for the building. The ground floor houses one large apartment surrounded by a flower bed, while the first and attic floors house two unique duplexes stoned with Terrazzo.

One of the unique features of Chalets Dada is its interaction with nature. The ground floor, with its large windows, hosts a 400m2 garden visible from any room in the apartment. The duplexes, thanks to their elevated position in the building, offer unique views of the snowy mountains of Faraya.

The realization of this design was a technological feat. The choice of mechanical fixed natural stones covering large-sized windows, combined with a repetitive pattern of solid wood, allowed the design team to embed electro-mechanical details into the finishes. This was a challenge due to the harsh weather conditions in the area and the modern design of the building with large windows. However, the team managed to create adapted details that did not change the building's shape and researched high-performing materials to withstand exterior conditions.

The project started in February 2022 and is expected to be completed by November 2024. The design process began with a research study conducted by a local surveyor on the types of apartments needed in the area, the most demanded surfaces in the market, and the extent of luxury finishes that could be incorporated to sell the apartments quickly. This study led to the creation of three apartments with different and unique properties to cater to all tastes.

In conclusion, Chalets Dada is a testament to the creativity and technical expertise of architect Joy Alexandre Harb and his team. This design, which combines beauty, luxury, and functionality, has rightfully earned its place as a Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award winner.