AKL Architects, a Beirut-based practice founded by Akl Akl, unveils the D3 Villa, a striking residential project nestled amidst the pine trees of Mar Moussa, Lebanon. The village’s serenity provides a stark contrast to the bustling city life of Beirut, a mere 30 minutes away.
Established in 2016, AKL Architects carries the torch lit by AB Architects, a firm co-founded by Akl Akl in 2004. Both practices share a core philosophy: shaping architecture that responds to its context, program, and specific needs. This holistic approach translates into projects that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings.
The D3 Villa embodies this philosophy. The unique site, marked by an unusual shape and a dramatic 40-degree slope, presented both challenges and opportunities. A neighbouring structure obstructed the northwest view, while a wild landscape of trees dominated the east.
AKL Architects responded with a clever design. The D3 Villa comprises three private units – two duplexes and a smaller apartment – stacked above the parking area. Each unit enjoys a private courtyard and expansive openings with gardens facing a clear westward view.
The project’s true brilliance lies in its fragmented nature. Stone units interweave with an external path of stairs and balconies, culminating in a rooftop seating area. This fragmentation is further emphasized by vertical wooden columns that connect the interiors to the surrounding nature.
The architects masterfully blurred the lines between indoors and outdoors. Openings and loggias strategically placed between and behind “synthetic trunks” – vertical structures scattered across the landscape – create a sense of immersion in nature. This innovative technique not only unifies the D3 Villa with its environment but also narrates a story of a fragmented program finding harmony amidst a disappearing natural landscape.
The D3 Villa shows AKL Architects’ commitment to contextual design. Through a thoughtful approach and innovative techniques, they have crafted a residence that celebrates its surroundings while offering a haven of tranquillity for its inhabitants.
