Based in the vibrant Badaro Street district of Beirut, Lebanon, AKL Architects has emerged as a global leader in innovative design. Recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards as one of the Top 100 Architects in the World for 2024, the firm has set benchmarks in architecture through its commitment to sustainability, creativity, and client-focused solutions. Guided by founder Akl Akl, the firm’s philosophy centers on architecture as a transformative tool to solve spatial, environmental, and social challenges.

From luxury villas to urban renewal projects, AKL Architects’ portfolio reflects a remarkable ability to harmonize aesthetic elegance with functionality, all while respecting the natural environment.

The Lattouf Residence: A Masterpiece of Timeless Elegance

An exceptional example of AKL Architects’ design philosophy is the Lattouf Residence, nestled in the serene mountains of Baabdath, Metn. Currently 80% complete, this luxurious villa began construction in August 2023 and is slated for completion by the end of 2024. The project exemplifies the firm’s ability to create architectural masterpieces that merge contemporary sophistication with nature’s grandeur.

The villa’s U-shaped design invites a dialogue between the built environment and the natural world. At its heart lies a vibrant, wood-clad core that serves as a focal point, connecting the residence’s various spaces while promoting an indoor-outdoor living experience. An inner garden, filled with sunlight and cool mountain breezes, enhances this connection, creating a tranquil oasis for its inhabitants.

Thoughtfully designed to embrace its sloping terrain, the Lattouf Residence unfolds gracefully, offering sweeping views of the southwest and southeast. Every element—from the cascading stairways to the infinity pool that mirrors the mountain panorama—has been meticulously crafted to blend with the surrounding environment.

A Home Designed for Family and Nature

The villa’s design celebrates both personal and environmental harmony. Dedicated floors tailored to each daughter’s needs reflect the deeply personal nature of the project, while the use of steel, glass, stone, and wood ensures the home seamlessly integrates with the textures and colors of its surroundings.

Practicality meets elegance in every detail. Service areas are discreetly positioned along the roadside, preserving the panoramic views for the primary living spaces. Features like a glass-floored corridor, offering glimpses of an encompassing tree, highlight the firm’s artistry and dedication to incorporating nature into everyday living.

Sustainability at its Core

Sustainability is a cornerstone of AKL Architects’ work, and the Lattouf Residence exemplifies this ethos. Passive design strategies include natural ventilation through interior patios, optimized sunlight access via eastern-facing facades, and minimized westward exposure to reduce heat gain. These measures are complemented by active solutions such as solar panels, insulated walls, and low-E glass windows, which reduce the villa’s environmental footprint while ensuring energy efficiency and durability.

Transforming Spaces: AKL Architects’ Versatile Portfolio

AKL Architects’ expertise extends far beyond residential projects. The firm recently reimagined the workspace of a prestigious law office in Riyadh, blending functionality with aesthetics to foster collaboration. Two central hubs—comprising workstations, a cafeteria, and service areas—were strategically positioned to enhance communication and efficiency among the firm’s partners, associates, and staff.

Urban renewal is another area where AKL Architects is making a lasting impact. The ongoing SIMA Project focuses on improving pedestrian mobility and revitalizing public spaces in Beirut and Bourj Hammoud. Through streetscape upgrades and tactical urban interventions, the initiative seeks to create vibrant, connected communities that thrive in harmony with their surroundings.

A Global Leader in Architectural Excellence

AKL Architects’ influence spans the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, with projects in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, Senegal, and Libya. The firm’s portfolio is a testament to its ability to deliver contextual, site-specific designs that resonate with local cultures and environments.

Their numerous accolades include the HOLCIM Bronze Prize for the Kfarhouneh Ecolodge, the International Property Award for the Lattouf Residence, and recognition as Best in Design & Construction Supervision – Lebanon by International Business Magazine in 2024. Further honors include the title of Leading Design and Construction Supervision for Architectural Middle East by World Business Outlook in 2024 and Most Innovative Architecture Firm – Lebanon for 2025 by LUX LIFE Magazine.

Redefining Luxury Living

AKL Architects’ inclusion in the Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ Top 100 Architects for 2024 underscores the firm’s dedication to innovation, client satisfaction, and architectural excellence. Their projects redefine luxury, creating spaces that inspire, connect, and endure.

As the Lattouf Residence approaches completion, it stands as a shining example of the firm’s design philosophy—a perfect fusion of elegance, functionality, and harmony with nature. Together with an ever-expanding portfolio of transformative projects, AKL Architects continues to shape landscapes and redefine architectural possibilities worldwide.

Explore the visionary designs of AKL Architects and their award-winning projects at https://aklarchitects.com/.