Cana Guesthouse

In Bhamdoun, Lebanon, where housing Phoenician tombs at the helm of thousand-year-old rock formations, Carl Gerges Architects created the Cana Guesthouse.

Carl Gerges shared “Withstanding erosion throughout the millennia, a mosaic of grey and yellow limestone encompassed the entire space. This solid retaining wall partnered only with natural rock boulders, summons an archaically curious and remote façade.” 

Upon entering this arid stone monolith, ample sunlight rushes to welcome an unexpected discovery of a warm lodgeable cavern. It shelters a living room, a kitchen, a bedroom and a private wine cellar. 

Shared the same earthy-yellow space, the living room and kitchen look out to adjacent monoliths. Pivoting glass panels were applied at walls border, merging the indoor with the outdoor once it is opened. In the living rom, the cast in place concrete ceiling combines with old reclaimed timber beams, in combine with conducted furniture in a primal instinct with its layered assortment of oriental patterned fabrics from leopard print seats to Moroccan rugs. 

Wandering along the glazed facade, after the kitchen, comes the bedroom and bathroom. The architect brought ancient Moroccan style plaster into the house. Pure slabs accented with niches and lush plants are embraced by laurel green tadelakt walls, orchestrating a sensual experience of bathing in the outdoors. 

A subterranean tunnel leads to a purely proportioned wine cellar from the house. Carved from beneath the rocks, this burgundy vaulted cube is lit by a circular skylight.

A secluded circular fire pit sits at the foot of the massive rocky formation, opposite to the kitchen, hosting enchanting evenings and ceremonies under a vast starry sky.

A fertile 80 acres vineyard surrounds the guesthouse, breaking from the dry stone spirit. With such arid soil, vines root deep down to gather nutrient and water from beneath the rocky surface, allowing the wine to have denser bouquet.