Loading ...The Lebanese House: Architecture Inspired by Nature and Tradition
By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer
Upon entering a traditional Lebanese house, one steps into a world of sunshine and light, where subtle and vivid colors blend harmoniously. These homes embody simplicity of form and elegance of proportion, reflecting a way of life where communities live in harmony with their surroundings. The rugged Lebanese mountain terrain provided security, while its inhabitants cultivated the land by sculpting it into stepped terraces with care and reverence. Inspired by the beauty of their landscape, they crafted a unique architecture from its stones and timbers—both simple and refined.
Nature
The central element of Lebanese architecture is its deep connection with nature. The region’s moderate climate allows people to enjoy the outdoors for more than half the year, while breathtaking landscapes provide constant inspiration. This gives rise to an architectural style that embraces its surroundings, welcoming cool summer breezes and capturing the warmth of the winter sun.
Family
Family has always been at the heart of social life in Lebanon. The country’s turbulent history fostered a deep sense of belonging among its people, strengthening their ties to family. The home served as a unifying space, bringing generations together and preserving traditions across time.
The Central Hall House
The most common type of Lebanese house is the central hall house, a simple cube with a red-tiled roof. Typically, it has two floors: the lower floor, often vaulted, is used for storage or livestock, while the upper floor serves as the living area. As the name suggests, the layout features a central space surrounded by several rooms, creating a balanced and functional design.
The central hall, known as the Dar, is the heart of the house, serving as a multipurpose space for family and friends. With the entrance typically at the back, the house is oriented toward the valley, embracing the surrounding views. Nature is celebrated through the elegant triple arch, which extends the full height of the hall, opening it to the landscape. This arch has a central door flanked by two windows and a small balcony. The main space is designed to capture the valley breeze. At the same time, high ceilings and strategically placed windows and doors ensure excellent cross-ventilation, creating a comfortably cool environment even in the summer heat.
The red tiled roof, likely first imported from Italy, appeared in the nineteenth century. The space beneath is typically not used as a living area, and roofs generally lack windows or chimney stacks. Known locally as the Tarboush of the house, the red roof was historically a source of pride for its owners.
The simplicity of the stonework and the absence of decorative friezes testify to the skill of traditional stonemasons. Their craftsmanship was so masterful that joints and connections required no concealment or embellishment. Windows were subtly framed with a simple projecting border to distinguish them from the wall surface. Decoration, found in ironwork or plasterwork, was inspired by nature. Abstract floral and leaf motifs were often repeated in different houses, enhancing the harmony between architecture and landscape.
The beauty of the traditional Lebanese house lies in its simplicity and modesty. It harmonizes with its surroundings through natural materials and a deep connection to nature. Always a source of pride for its owners, it never overpowered the landscape nor appeared ostentatious. In all its variations, it consistently embraced and celebrated nature. Integrating nature into the home’s heart enriched daily life and inspired those who lived within it. Adding harmony and beauty to everyday existence, the Lebanese house fulfilled its ultimate purpose. It served as the anchor of Lebanese families throughout history.
Ralph Hage, a Lebanese American architect and writer, divides his time and work between Lebanon and the United States.
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