Completed / Renovation / Interior Design
As part of its expansion throughout Lebanon, The French Cultural Centre chose to relocate to a traditional Lebanese house in Jounieh built in 1890 needing substantial renovation.
The building needed to be modified and modernised whilst retaining its aesthetic and fundamental structure, and championing traditional Lebanese craftsmanship.
The structural timber trusses made of durable kotrani wood was reinforced by encircling it with a thin beam under the corniche. The intricate, false baghdadi ceiling under the timber truss structure was kept and restored.
The façade was not sand-blasted but washed with water in order to protect the natural surface or kalcine of the original stonework. The exterior skin and detailing of the building were also preserved in order to maintain the historical cachet of the structure including handrails, steps, tiles and the open shed.
Lighting fixtures were supplied by AKK Architects' sister company CAI Light. These included Déflex and Reflex lights in the classrooms, the library and the central hall.
Interiors were refurbished using contemporary materials such as a chemical-stained, concrete floor reminiscent of the old fourni.
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