The primary intention of the country club, beyond offering a full array of recreational and health facilities, is to blend in with the surrounding pine forest. Hugging the slope, the low-rise building is divided into smaller units so to integrate the complex programme and give it a sense of intimacy. (The brief specified a 'large luxurious villa' as the image of the club.) The wide-span structure and high ceilings allow the interior spaces to flow freely into the trees, while landscaped courtyards bring light to the spa, hammam and saunas located underground.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
See also:
Official Website of Nabil Gholam Architecture and Planning.
http://www.ngarchitecture.com/. [Accessed January 22, 2007]
