Beit Smar

Cosette El Hachem

Head Architect: Cosette El Hachem within Lebanese Old Houses
Project Type: Cultural Heritage
Client: Beit Smar
Strategy: N/A

In Smar Jbeil, architecture becomes a way of reconnecting with the land, preserving the soul of a place while giving it a new purpose.

Nestled within one of Lebanon’s most captivating natural landscapes, these traditional guest houses are inspired by the timeless architecture of the Lebanese mountain home. Built with a deep respect for local heritage, the project transforms these houses into intimate B&B-style retreats—spaces where visitors can experience Lebanon not simply as a destination, but as a living story.

At the heart of the project is architect Cosette El Hachem’s vision: to place nature at the forefront, while allowing Lebanese heritage to shape every detail. The architecture does not compete with its surroundings; it belongs to them. Stone, traditional forms, textures and proportions echo the character of the village, while the interiors offer the warmth, simplicity and authenticity of a home.

The result is a beautiful dialogue between landscape and architecture—a collection of guest houses that celebrate what makes Smar Jbeil so unique. Here, the mountains, the greenery and the traditional Lebanese houses come together to create an experience rooted in place, memory and belonging.

It is a thoughtful revival of Lebanese heritage, where the beauty of the past is preserved not behind walls, but brought back to life for a new generation to discover.