A bold new commercial development has emerged in Lebanon's mountainous region, challenging conventional retail architecture while establishing itself as a significant commercial destination. The Obeid Retail Complex, designed by nunc Architecture and Design and completed in 2024, represents an innovative approach to contemporary commercial hubs that house major local businesses and elevate their public presence.

The 4,000-square-meter project introduces an unconventional architectural approach that fundamentally redefines local retail experiences. Since its completion, the complex has successfully attracted established brands, positioning the center as a new commercial destination in the region. The building serves as headquarters for a major local supermarket chain while contributing significantly to the area's commercial landscape.

The architectural program seamlessly blends commercial and social spaces across multiple levels. The development features a three-story supermarket as its anchor tenant, complemented by a food court and open parking facilities that ensure accessibility for visitors. Upper floors accommodate additional office and retail spaces, creating a mixed-use environment that maximizes the site's potential.

Careful planning throughout the design process ensures smooth circulation flow and uninterrupted operations, significantly enhancing both functionality and overall user experience. The architects implemented clear, intuitive circulation patterns that guide users seamlessly throughout the complex, eliminating confusion and creating an effortless navigation experience.

The conceptual foundation stems from what the architects describe as "dropping a weirdo" – an architectural gesture that deliberately disrupts the surrounding vernacular with confidence and clarity. Cantilevered upper floors thrust forward dramatically, asserting dominance over the streetscape while simultaneously forming a sheltered entrance that offers visitors a welcoming, protected space.

The building's facade masterfully balances industrial rawness with refined sophistication. A geometric white aluminum skin, shaped through algorithmic logic, wraps the entire structure in carefully layered patterns that alternate strategically between solid and transparent sections. This dynamic facade system effectively conceals irregular interior functions while offering carefully curated glimpses into the building's interior life, successfully balancing privacy requirements, solar shading needs, and natural ventilation.

The project's evolution was significantly shaped by both design challenges and construction limitations that ultimately influenced the final outcome. A compact plot and narrow street frontage prompted the architects to implement a vertical distribution of spaces and introduce the distinctive cantilevered mass to amplify the building's street presence and visibility.

Structurally, the need to minimize columns in wide retail halls required implementing large spans and cantilevered floors, demanding advanced engineering solutions. The construction team utilized specialized tension cables and high-precision concrete techniques that pushed the limits of local construction practices, demonstrating innovation within regional building capabilities.

The material palette emphasizes dramatic contrast throughout the design. Exposed concrete and visible mechanical systems juxtapose boldly against the sleek white metallic facade, creating a compelling dialogue between rugged utility and sculpted elegance. This intentional tension defines the building's dual identity, remaining grounded in practical functionality yet maintaining aspirational architectural qualities.

Sustainability considerations are integrated through the innovative double-skin facade system, which provides multiple environmental benefits including enhanced insulation, natural ventilation, effective sun control, and improved privacy. The cavity between the facade layers retains warmth during winter months while enabling natural airflow during summer, significantly reducing energy consumption and minimizing reliance on mechanical climate control systems.

The outer screen effectively softens harsh sunlight and reduces glare while still allowing abundant natural light to penetrate interior spaces. This system maintains occupant comfort and privacy while providing framed visual connections with the exterior environment, creating a pleasant user experience throughout the year.

In a regional context dominated by conventional low-rise structures, the Obeid Retail Complex introduces a bold new architectural icon that stands out significantly from its surroundings. The project not only reinforces the anchor supermarket's brand identity but also successfully repositions the entire site as a forward-looking commercial hub within the region's evolving commercial and architectural landscape.

The Obeid Retail Complex ultimately reflects the transformative potential of contemporary architecture, demonstrating how innovative design can create a bold architectural presence even within tight spatial and regulatory constraints. The project contributes meaningfully to the evolving narrative of Lebanon's built environment, setting new standards for commercial architecture in the region while proving that thoughtful design can overcome challenging site limitations to create spaces that serve both functional and aspirational purposes.