Raja Saab Chalet

1953

Ferdinand Dagher

This very singular structure resembling a flying saucer was built on the Mediterranean sea shore at a location named Acapulco Beach in Ouzai.

Four elliptical columns widen as they rise to carry the cylindrical building.

A minimalist spiral staircase at its core surrounded by a thin steel fence keeps the open view to the sea at the entrance level and leads to a ring-like landing that gives to the various rooms around.

The furniture and lighting fixtures were designed by Jean Royère, a French designer who had opened a successful business in Beirut, producing furniture locally with a Lebanese partner, architect Nadim Majdalani.