The brief of this project was to convert this 400-year old property in Gharghur into a cosy and ergonomic home, by finding a way to link all its rooms, since none were connected. Originally a bakery, the property was purchased in a dilapidated state, but had much potential with features such as the arabesque lines of the courtyard, a birthing room with two arches and several niches in its walls. The challenge was to retain the traditional elements whilst making the house modern and bright.

An internal spiral staircase was built inside, making possible to use all areas without having to go outside. It is a take on the ‘garigor’ staircase but is instead constructed of steel in a raw lacquered finish with a gypsum plaster railing. The original external staircase was still retained in the central courtyard, with its natural stone flooring. A master bedroom was added at the back of the property- a cosy living space overlooking the central courtyard, and a roof study.

A double lining was installed in the kitchen, creating a false wall within the room, leaving a space in between the two walls for the air to circulate.

The old rubble walls at ground level were treated for humidity, plastered and then painted white; giving it a clean look but still allowing some of the stone details to remain exposed.