A BIGGER splash

THE SEA VIEW IS AS IMPRESSIVE AS THE ARCHITECTURE IN THE COASTAL LEBANESE HOME OF LAURA AND RAËD ABILLAMA, WHOSE EPONYMOUS ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE DREW THE LINES OF THIS IMPOSING HILLSIDE OASIS.

In 2020, Laura, Raëd and their two sons moved from downtown Beirut to its suburb Dbayeh, a coastal town bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Placed right on the hillside edge, the 5-story abode offers sweeping views all around.

As if designed with a binary logic, the astute architecture combines naked concrete with a bold use of stone. Raëd managed to source a rare titanium travertine - white with grey veins - which is repeated in the flooring, the sculptural staircase, and in the outdoor deck that continues into the infinity pool. Indoor and outdoor pools guarantee bigger splashes and a much-needed cool down from the Middle Eastern climate.

Inside, an accomplished array of artworks is poetically composed among bespoke and vintage furniture. The majestic ceiling heights are invigorated by a floor to ceiling fireplace and concrete columns. A handsome addition to the compound of characterful furnishing and architectural details is the industrial, black monochromatic kitchen echoing the lesson of a life well lived which is the theme of the entire house.