This project is a penthouse residence in the Achrafieh area of Beirut for an international client who is an art and design enthusiast. Located on the 27th floor, with sweeping views of the city, the contemporary open space loft became a canvas to fill with eclectic design pieces and custom made site specific art. The use of light was very important in this home, and Gregory was able to experiment with this aspect, through the usage of various materials, primarily glass and mirrors. An entire wall of the apartment was commissioned by the artist Peter Zimmermann, who is specialized in epoxy resin to create vast works, like the one seen in this home. It serves also as a structure to create a division in the space without actually breaking up a room, likewise being backdrop for the dining and the salon areas.A custom table designed by Gregory, has an industrial work mood, with a massive polished stainless steel structure and is matched with dainty Philippe Hiquily chairs also made from steel. Although being from the same material, there is a particular detail in how scale was used to create a difference between the pieces. The suspension light by Herve van der Straeten shimmers above the table and uses the same organic forms that are seen in the mural by Zimmermann. A totem by Ettore Sottsass in creamy reds and pinks plays off similarly the striking colors on the mural wall. In the salon area, a DeSede DS-600 “Non Stop” modular sofa in a chestnut color embraces harmoniously the bright colors, and is matched with a whimsical Philipe Hiquily coffee table, with the base made out of a supine woman figural sculpture. Vintage armchairs were sourced from the Puce in Paris in a brown velvet upholstery. In another sitting area, a canary yellow Walter and Moretti armchair and pouf were placed against a wall where Travertine stone is used. The living room features a large scale painting by the important contemporary Lebanese painter, Ayman Balbaaki. Alongside this work is an “Embryo” armchair by Marc Newson, and a coffee table by Ado Chale. For the bedroom, Gregory created a wall of glass panels with lights installed on the retro which have the ability to change shades of colors. The bedroom set was custom made by Gregory, likewise the bathroom’s interior was specially designed with a custom mirror doubling as a piece of art to reflect the panels of the bedroom.
Beirut, 2010