A Journey Through Time and Space
Nestled in the heart of Beirut’s Spears Street, Asfaar is more than a residence—it’s a harmonious blend of history, emotion, and modern living. Drawing inspiration from the Arabic word “Asfār,” which signifies journeys and transformations, this project embodies the essence of Beirut’s evolving urban landscape. The building stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage, reflecting the transition from traditional homes to contemporary multi-story structures.
A Fusion of Heritage and Modernity
Originally established in the mid-1940s, the building on plot 3407 showcases the architectural elegance of the French Mandate period, influenced by the Art Deco movement. The renovation respects the building’s historical significance, preserving features like the central liwan, decorative arches, and ornate balustrades. Modern interventions introduce reinforced concrete structures with clean lines and geometric forms, complemented by materials such as rough concrete paint, rusted steel, raw wood, and natural vegetation. The façade, painted in a beige-grey stone hue with yellow aggregates, is adorned with vintage shutters and occasional brass fixtures that illuminate the structure at night.
Visual Narratives of Asfaar
Experience the transformation of Asfār through a curated collection of images that capture the essence of its architectural journey. From the intricate wrought iron details to the lush rooftop garden, each photograph tells a story of preservation and innovation. The gallery showcases the interplay of materials, light, and space, reflecting the project’s commitment to blending the old with the new.
ASFĀR IS
ARCHITECTURE
WOVEN WITH EMOTION,
SHAPED BY INTENTION,
AND STEEPED IN MEMORY
A SPACE THAT LIVES, BREATHES, AND REMEMBERS.
Your heart knows the way, run in that direction.
-Rumi
Asfār — Stories Carved in Light and Concrete
Asfār is not just a name — it is a memory, a horizon, a quiet poem written in the language of space. Rooted in the Arabic word for “journeys,” Asfār evokes movement, transformation, and reflection. It speaks of travels across time, of letters, of colors and of sunrises that spill warmth over Beirut’s old facades.
In Spears Street, where the scent of shawarma lingers in the air and jacarandas bloom in bursts of purple, Asfār arises with graceful humility. A yellow building born in the 1940s — possibly designed by architect Samir Hejal — now reborn with reverence and creativity. Its balconies once held striped curtains that danced in the wind, lemon trees curled in pots beside Bougainvillea, and neighbors shared glances, greetings, and silences.
This is a home that remembers. From its raw concrete textures to its rusted steel and vintage shutters, every material tells a story — one of nostalgia, of resilience, of human presence. Rumi’s verses unfold along the staircase, guiding residents with poetry floor by floor, like a gentle compass.
The rooftop is a garden of joy: pomegranate motifs, lemon trees, a communal table, and a spa kissed by the sun. A place for moments, gatherings, and solitude. A place to live — really live.
Asfār is architecture, yes — but it is also emotion, intention, and memory etched into space. A soulful invitation to dwell beautifully.
Neighbors talk, smiles meet, life unfolds on every street.
Your heart knows the way, run in that direction.
-Rumi
Contact
For inquiries, collaborations, or to learn more about Asfaar, please reach out:
Address: 169 Arz Street, Beirut, Lebanon
Phone: [Insert Phone Number]
Email: [Insert Email Address]
Website: [Insert Website URL]
We look forward to sharing the Asfar experience with you.
