Bell Tower - St. Maroon Church [Jounieh - Lebanon]

“The Cross that held an processioned the son of god became the key, and with it the doors of the heavens were opened.”

A traditional Maronite hymn in Syriac (the native language early Maronite Christians shared with Jesus) gracefully ornates this bell tower made up of two tablets of rusted steel, a hint to the two tablets of commandments. These two steel plates represent the doorway to eternal life accessible only through the cross, the embodiment of love. 

This church compound, constructed over several stages, desperately needed an identity. The choice was to create two minimalistic panels to separate the old building from the annexes built 15 years ago. The structure is mounted by a floating slender cross that guides the viewer’s eyes towards the skies.  The tower, in its design, approach, and materials, doesn’t aim to be bigger or higher, but it’s rather a strongly needed reminder of the simple humble life Christianity preaches.

Building Type:   Landmark
Location:  Jounieh, Lebanon
Discipline:  Architecture
Project Date:  2018 - 2019
Tasks Undertaken :   Concept - Design  - Execution - Site Management