Elie Saab Mountain Retreat

Faqra, Lebanon

This landscaping had to respond to the two facets of a mountain 'chalet' - a retreat for a renowned fashion designer that also serves as a venue for corporate gatherings. Adapting the spaces to withstand the harsh climate was a further consideration in the design. The entire garden was finished in one material - local 'kour' stone - in different textures. Its centrepiece is the lower terrace, which is defined as two simple rectangles, one of them raised as a water mirror (the swimming pool in disguise), the other a level plane with integrated recessed sitting areas equipped with fireplaces.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture