The Art of Design Issue 39 2019 | Page 50

50 ASKDECO INFUSES LIGHT INTO THE PARIS OF THE MIDDLE EAST With a global portfolio of completed projects Let there be light including luxurious homes, private yachts Askdeco’s focus turned to creating a more open and light-filled space, which required and commercial environments, Askdeco, a Mallorca features 200m² of well-lit space, with architectural alterations to expand the size full-service design firm based in Lebanon, is modern lines and a very contemporary décor. of its windows. They added floor-to-ceiling proud to showcase its Mallorca residential Designed in spontaneous flow, the layout windows that increased light, offer 360° project in the heart of Beirut. reflects functionality tailored to the client’s views overlooking the lively streets below lifestyle needs. From the onset, the client and create a sense of more space. At the Located in one of Beirut’s most vibrant felt that the space might prove restrictive core of Mallorca’s design is the intricacy of districts, Ashrafieh, Mallorca is a multi- in terms of the functions and comfort he its winding staircase, a transitional space level bachelor penthouse apartment that was seeking. However, in meeting with connecting all three levels of the panoramic epitomizes the resurgent vibe of a city home Askdeco, the designers addressed all aspects penthouse. Its sculpted design and mutating to world-renowned fashion designers, art of functionality and the client proved very mesh mirror handrail finish add artistic galleries, performing arts venues and trendy receptive to their proposal of opening up the purpose to its functionality, creating a bistros and cafés. space. multi-dimensional centerpiece that blends “Mallorca is situated in a new building in “We were able to analyze the client’s Ashrafieh, a district known for its lively streets requirements accurately and we responded during the 1960s,” explains Nisrine Nasr, with functional and creative solutions that co-founder and interior designer at Askdeco. addressed them,” says Nasr. “A design “For this project, we converted a small studio concept can sometimes be difficult for a into a three-level penthouse, providing a very client to visualize, but seeing it all worked modern and efficient living space overlooking out on paper can bring a design scheme into a historic district.” focus and help the client to understand the direction that you are taking them in.” outward with Mallorca’s panoramic spaces. Set between two fully-glazed partitions, the staircase provides a sky-high illusion that further enhances the openness of the space. Askdeco also endeavored to reposition existing windows and doors to ensure greater sunlight exposure, while creative acoustics and lighting deliver a Zen ambiance that the client wholeheartedly embraced.