SOMA wanted to take the concept of the New York Loft, and import it to the coast of Lebanon in this unique seaside property. Using a virtual knife to carve out a plane from the earth, and raise it as if were annullable skin, SOMA then inserted all living functions directly underneath in the form of an open-floor plan with no partitions. Skylights are then worked into the project by strategically puncturing the hard concrete shell for extra natural lighting.

The result is a perfectly protected, but totally open interior space. The only wall in the house is its ‘convertible’ façade, a double skin of folding glass and wooden mechanical louvers that can be activated with the push of a button to unwrap the whole house to the magnificent vistas of the sea, beach and horizon.

Designed by Michel Abboud for SOMA Architects, Batrun is a loft-like house located in Batrun, Lebanon.