As far as views of Beirut go, you won’t find much more spectacular than those afforded by Stereokitchen, on top of an office building on Pasteur Street. Take the lift all the way up and the city opens up before you, with the outer terrace of the bar and restaurant enjoying a 360 degree panorama that’s hard to beat. On one side is lies the city, and on the other the port with the Mediterranean beyond.
Architect Paul Kaloustian had a clear vision for how he would maximise those views, and with that in mind the project concept revolves around a curved glass exterior wall, acting as a frame to the city behind, but also as a sort of display cabinet when looking from the outside in, while maintaining some degree of opacity. The changing light throughout the day also has a transformative effect as it hits the glass and reflects. Also involved with the project was local luminescence marvels, .PSLAB, and their lighted ceiling: made from perforated steel, adds a lovely dimension to the night-time dining experience. The venue is fine dining during the week, but gets more “clubby” at the weekends.
Photo, Carl Gerges
Courtesy, Paul Kaloustian Architect
Photo, Joe Kesrouani
Courtesy, Paul Kaloustian Architect
Photo, Joe Kesrouani
Courtesy, Paul Kaloustian Architect
Courtesy, .PSLAB
Photo, Ieva Saudargaite
Courtesy, Paul Kaloustian Architect
Photo, Joe Kesrouani
Courtesy, Paul Kaloustian Architect
Courtesy, .PSLAB
