Located at 1025 meters in El Rihan, the Madi Residence reinterprets the traditional Lebanese hilltop house through a contextual, family-oriented design. The project adopts a clear cubic form organized vertically, crowned with a red-tiled roof. Rustic natural stone, timber pergolas, and arched openings root the villa in local heritage, while fluid indoor–outdoor spaces and panoramic views introduce contemporary comfort within a unified architectural spirit, responsive to climate, topography, and enduring rural mountain traditions of Lebanon.
Madi Residence: Reinterpreting the Traditional Lebanese Hilltop Dwelling
Location: Jezzine District, Elrihan, Lebanon
Altitude: 1025m above sea level
Type: Residential Architecture
Materials: Rustic Natural Stone, Red Clay Tiles, Timber
A Contextual Response to the Rihan Mountains
Perched at an elevation of 1025 meters, the Madi Residence is a contextual dialogue with the rugged peaks of the Rihan Mountains. The architectural brief was born from a specific desire to honor local heritage: rather than pursuing a contemporary aesthetic, the project deliberately aligns with the footprint and vernacular style of traditional Lebanese hilltop dwellings. The result is a family-friendly villa that feels deeply rooted in its mountainous environment while subtly integrating modern living standards.
Architectural Concept: The Modernized Box
The formal strategy utilizes a clear, cubic volume—a “box” that organizes domestic life through a rigorous vertical hierarchy:
The Ground/Service Level: Acts as the functional plinth of the house, hosting the kitchen, domestic services, and primary reception areas.
The First Floor: Dedicated to the social and private core, featuring the dining area and private family quarters.
The Second Floor: A lofted living area designed specifically to frame the expansive, unhindered mountain views.
Capping this structure is a classic red-tiled roof, a signature element of Lebanese mountain architecture that provides both thermal protection and a recognizable silhouette against the sky.
Materiality and the “Uniform Spirit”
To achieve an “old-fashioned atmosphere” with a fresh perspective, the villa is entirely clad in rustic natural stone. This heavy materiality is balanced by refined architectural details, such as triple-arched windows and intricate stonework around the balconies.
The design team reinvented traditional spaces to suit a modern lifestyle by focusing on the fluidity between the structure and its gardens. Outdoor terraces feature timber pergolas and pointed stone arches, creating sheltered “outdoor rooms” that allow the family to engage with the alpine climate. Through this careful balance of stone, wood, and light, the Madi Residence achieves a uniform spirit—a home that is at once a nostalgic tribute and a functional modern retreat.
