Rmayleh Coastal Destination

Located along the Mediterranean coast in Rmayleh, Lebanon, the project is conceived as a mixed-use coastal destination bringing together hospitality, recreation, dining, retail and beach activities within a landscape-led masterplan.

The existing railway crossing the site becomes an organizing element of the project rather than a barrier. It divides the development into two complementary zones while establishing a central spine that connects the different programs and landscapes.

The upper zone is conceived as a public recreational environment containing an open marketplace, children's areas, sports facilities, retail spaces and bungalows. The lower zone establishes a stronger relationship with the Mediterranean, accommodating water activities, restaurants, beach bars, sunbathing areas and additional bungalows.

A pedestrian and cycling route follow the railway and connects the two zones, creating a continuous path for walking, running and cycling. This circulation spine extends toward the sea as an elevated bridge, offering views across the development and creating spaces for events and a sunset bar.

A modular system of 5 × 5 meter kiosks is distributed along the pedestrian route. Designed as adaptable structures, the kiosks can operate as open, semi-enclosed or enclosed units depending on their function. Their modular construction and simple material palette allow them to accommodate different commercial and recreational uses while maintaining a coherent architectural identity throughout the development.

The design seeks to minimize its impact on the coastal landscape through lightweight interventions, local materials and renewable-energy strategies. Timber is proposed for decks, kiosks and pedestrian structures, while solar energy contributes to the project's electrical requirements.

Rather than imposing a singular architectural object on the coastline, the project establishes a network of landscape, movement and lightweight structures shaped by the particular conditions of Rmayleh and its Mediterranean setting.