conceived for a site amid the rolling hills of armenia’s lori province, beirut-based architect paul kaloustian has designed the ‘loor mountain retreat’ as a hybrid of nature and architecture. to be situated close to an existing smart center, the project will begin construction in may 2020, creating a new leisure resort for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

all images courtesy of paul kaloustian

the program of the mountainside retreat comprises a restaurant, a spa with outdoor pool and 20 individual suites. each suite enjoys a private entrance and opens out to the outdoors, affording an uninterrupted visual and physical connection with the surrounding nature. the units are meticulously designed by kaloustian to create a built form that does not impose, but instead merges with the undulating hillside. effectively, the resort embeds itself into the land, becoming an integral part of it.

the manner in which the units are scattered across the hillside reflect the random nature of trees or rocks. this organic expression is emphasized by the curved form of the structures and the thin reinforced concrete roofs that appear to lightly sweep over them. the extension of the roof planes also allows for shaded areas in between communal outdoor spaces. these areas have a friendly human scale and are open to the vast landscape.

by freeing the reinforced concrete canopy of the roof from the volumes underneath, an unexpected visual fluidity and lightness is achieved, which again references the main concept of creating an unimposing architectural expression. the loor mountain retreat strives to surround visitors in nature, to make them effortlessly discover new perspectives within the landscape and to reveal a world of poetry and sensitivity.

project info:

project name: loor mountain retreat

location: debet, lori province, armenia

architect: paul kaloustian

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edited by: lynne myers | designboom