/ARCHITECTURE/newswire -- COMO, CO, ITALY -- SATURDAY, 02 AUGUST 2025, 20:39 UTC+1
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LEBANON -- /ARCHITECTURE/newswire -- Aug 13, 2017
Beirut-based architect Joy Alexandre Harb has been honored with the Golden A' Design Award 2018 for Olympea, a luxury villa seamlessly embedded within the Lebanese mountains, showcasing a groundbreaking approach to sustainable architecture by minimizing environmental impact and celebrating local heritage.
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Olympea, designed by Joy Alexandre Harb and his team, stands as a testament to architectural innovation and environmental sensitivity. Located in the mountains of Lebanon, this residential villa is uniquely embedded into the natural topography, preserving the beauty of its surroundings while offering a luxurious living experience. The design was inspired by Harb's initial visit to the site, where he was captivated by the landscape and resolved to minimize intervention, resulting in a structure that harmonizes with the mountain rather than dominating it.
The villa's composition features two L-shaped structures on the ground floor, ingeniously interacting to form an internal green patio visible from every room. This central courtyard eliminates the need for corridors, maximizing usable space and enhancing the flow of natural light. At the heart of the patio stands a cedar tree, Lebanon's national emblem, symbolizing the project's deep connection to local heritage. The use of natural stone, low-emission glass, and black steel elements ensures both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, with heated flooring and advanced glazing providing optimal comfort year-round.
Spanning 600 square meters on the ground floor with expansive terraces and two basement levels, Olympea offers generous indoor and outdoor living areas while maintaining a discreet presence within the landscape. The project's greatest challenge-executing the build with minimal impact on the land-was met through meticulous planning and innovative construction techniques. Olympea's recognition with the Golden A' Design Award highlights its role as a model for responsible, forward-thinking architecture that balances luxury, sustainability, and cultural identity.
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