DORI HITTI is a Lebanese interior design and architect credited by many to be the pioneer of contemporary designs of the current time. He is well-known for designing and creating exceptionally beautiful and high quality designs with a unique twist of individualism.

Lebanese architect is known among design circles for his artistic yet functional creations. Not only an architect and designer for restaurants and chalets, Hitti has a natural flair for homes as well. After refreshing an entire space with his latest project located in Rabieh, from the harmonious interior to the serenity of the green outdoors, the architect himself took a minute to discuss this latest home.

It started with an old Lebanese building, the kind you see driving up the street in an old village. With the outer wall slightly damaged from decades of Mediterranean climate, and while some may only see an out-of-date house, Hitti saw a challenge and a potentially beautiful summer destination amongst the foothills of Mount Lebanon. ’The only thing I had to start off with was a view, the rest was a challenge that I would have to overcome,’ explains the architect.

The house consists of two floors with a massive staircase that leads you to the rooftop terrace. There you can enjoy wonderful views of the Mediterranean coast while sitting amongst a group of friends and enjoying a late night cap. ’I like creating an independent look for the terrace, this one specifically and in general. To feel that there’s an independent small villa with a nice surrounding within a building,’ Hitti explained.

And though Hitti prefers to work with certain elements like glass, he managed to enjoy working with the stone that was already there. Using light fixtures, Hitti created an elevation affect for the walls bordering the terrace. Although the walls are heavy they look light and appear to float.And in keeping with the architect’s characteristic flair for practical yet beautiful design, he placed a rugged and graphic bench along the walkway, and the chimney was turned into a hip bar area. These elements really boost the terrace’s atmosphere and add a garden touch to rooftop.

The main materials one can find throughout the renovated home include black metal, wood flooring and tick wood. ’I used cold and warm material together bringing the interior outside and the exterior inside,’ described the architect.