Centre Culturel Français – Annabel Karim Kassar

₀₆ Centre Culturel Français, Jounieh Lebanon, 2016 Architecture

Renovation

Around 50 SQM Each

Complete

The French Cultural Centre, as part of its expansion through Lebanon, chose to locate itself in Jounieh.

The quarter is a traditional Lebanese house built in 1890 with a massive need for renovation. The main concern during the renovation was the safeguard of the Lebanese traditional “know-how”, and to respect the fundamental structure and aesthetic of the building while intervening by inserting the modifications and modernising of the space.

The “Kotrani” structure and the “Bagdadi” ceiling are kept and restored. We reinforced the building with a surrounded thin beam under the cornice.

The façade was treated in a special way: washed by water and not with sand blasting to protect the stones and keep its own natural surface – “Kalcine”.
The original aspect and even the minor details of the exterior skin were preserved in order to save the historical ‘cachet’: handrails, steps, open shed and tiles where it was possible.

CAI, the sister company of Annabel Karim Kassar and Associates, took in charge the lighting design for the project. CAI installed many of its lighting items such as huit déflex & huit reflex within the different spaces like classrooms, the library and the central hall.

The interior space was refurbished with contemporary materials such as concrete chemical stained floor reminding the old “fourni”, ready to welcome a new event: the French Cultural Centre in Jounieh.

AWARD

London Design Biennale 2016 1st Prize – Most Exceptional Design Contribution