The Serai of Baadarane

The Serai of Baadarane, located in the heart of the Shouf region, is an 18th century palace built by the regional governor Ali Joumblatt. The Ottoman-era palace is now abandoned, partially preserved and partially deteriorated. The project was elaborated over a year of architectural studies to rehabilitate, restore, and reuse the structure, recreating an active and functional edifice that revitalizes the village. The study included a detailed restoration approach, wall and painting conservation proposals, as well as contemporary architectural additions to host new functions. The adaptive reuse study channeled the design toward a hotel and leisure function, shaping the interior room design and architectural additions. One of the most remarkable additions is the hanging timber-structure rooms behind the Serai's interior courtyard, inspired by the nature that took root and thrived inside the Serai after its abandonment. The addition incorporates nature and belongs to it, changing and evolving through time, never imposed, but a sense of space that shifts with the seasons.