Carved To Breath - Mountain Ski Resort

Beirut Arab university, Faculty of Architecture, Design & Built Environment, Tripoli Campus

Idea projektu

This project echoes the growing tension between nature and climate change. Located in Bsharri - Lebanon — a landscape shaped by years of snow, time and silence — the site now faces shorter winters due climate change, harsher conditions, and a fading balance between natural rhythms and human impact. Today, it also bears the visible marks of the changing environmental patterns: unpredictable weather, rising temperatures, and ecological shifts. These realities became part of the design story. Rather than resting on the land, the project is carved into it — a quiet resistance and a gesture of adaptation. The architecture becomes part of the mountain’s breath, shaped by wind flow and sunlight patterns. By embedding the structure within the terrain, the design gains thermal protection, reduces environmental disruption, and lets the landscape lead. Natural slopes guide spatial zoning, while southern orientation brings passive warmth in colder seasons. In a region once known for stability, Carved to Breathe becomes both a spatial memory of what was — and a sustainable response to what is becoming.

Popis projektu

The project proposes a mountain resort that is not merely placed on the landscape but is carved into it — directly responding to environmental, social, and climatic challenges. It addresses the shortened winter seasons, loss of thermal consistency, and rising concerns about sustainability in Bsharri.

The site spans 19,900 m², with an elevation ranging from 2000 meters above sea level down to 1985 meters, and an allowable building height of 18 meters. This dramatic landscape offers panoramic views, strong winds, and seasonal snowfall, inspiring a sharp, sculptural form that opens to both sides of the terrain.

Given the region’s harsh winters with heavy snow and low temperatures, the design incorporates underground circulation paths to ensure accessibility and comfort. Energy-efficient strategies, such as geothermal heating and a kinetic façade system, are employed to enhance sustainability and environmental performance.

As the ski season in Bsharri has shortened in recent years — impacting tourism and the local economy — the resort was conceived as a year-round destination. In addition to winter sports, the project offers seasonal activities such as hiking and wellness programs. It also serves as a platform for environmental awareness by incorporating spaces for educational programs, interactive workshops, and sustainability-focused events, targeting eco-conscious tourists and promoting environmental stewardship.

The design solution includes a network of functional zones — residential, wellness, ski, festival, sport, and entertainment — that follow the natural topography.

The accommodation zone offers three lodging typologies:
First Floor: 20 cozy rooms located within the main structure.
-3 Level: Three chalet units, each featuring three rentable rooms, located outdoors for immersive mountain experiences.
-4 Level: A second type of chalet with two rooms each, also embedded in the landscape for privacy and a direct connection with nature.

The resort is composed of nine levels: four embedded within the ground and five exposed above ground.

The journey begins at the ground floor, which includes a panoramic restaurant with indoor and outdoor access to units that are located IN-OUT in -3 and -4 level and Rooms that are located IN the main building at level +2.

-1 Level: Features a double-height ballroom extending to -2 and a gym with multipurpose cultural exchange spaces.
-2 Level: Hosts the ballroom’s continuation, its dedicated pool, and a wellness zone with an additional pool.
-3 and -4 Levels: House parking and services as kitchen and Laundry.
+1 Level: Allocated for administration.
+2 Level: Includes guest accommodation.
+3 Level: Dedicated to ski Training and equipment lockers.
+4 Level: Marks the beginning of the ski experience, utilizing kinetic and geothermal systems to maximize energy efficiency.

Through passive design strategies using kinetic and geothermal solutions, embedded structures, and south-facing orientation, the resort optimizes energy use, enhances user comfort, and minimizes ecological disruption. The resort also promotes community connection and year-round tourism, aiming to boost local economy while honoring the mountain’s silent language.

Technické informace

The building is constructed with reinforced concrete using high-strength steel reinforcement to ensure structural stability and durability. It features a flat slab system with a 16-meter span.

The heating system uses geothermal energy

Underground circulation corridors are constructed using reinforced concrete with waterproofing membranes to protect against moisture and heavy snow loads.

The roofing system consists of a kinetic façade with adjustable panels that respond to sunlight and wind, optimizing natural ventilation and reducing energy consumption.

The system is designed to respond to the presence of sunlight. The façade, conceived as an origami-inspired structure, has the capability to close automatically when sensors detect direct solar radiation.

Exterior walls are insulated with eco-friendly thermal insulation panels to improve energy efficiency and maintain indoor comfort during harsh winters.

Dokumentace

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