(2005) 308 Saifi

SAIFI 308 is xCassia’s first (and probably last !) major real estate development in Beirut and consists of 13 upmarket single-unit residential levels comprising 8 levels of typical units, 2 levels of deluxe nontypical apartments and 2 top levels for a triplex unit and penthouse. The building houses three underground parking levels with a fourth for wine cellars and technical areas.This development sits on a 600 sqm plot fronting two quiet streets, one of which faces a 19th Century History Villa, the Ashrafieh’s upscale Tabaris district, a stone’s throw from Beirut’s Downtown Business District.

This development is located on the corner of the Université Saint Joseph and Youssef El Semaani in Ashrafieh’s upscale Tabaris district, in close proximity to Beirut Downtown center. The building sits on a 573m² plot and fronts two quiet residential roads opposite the historically listed Villa Tabed, a 10,000m2 19th century property with mature gardens.
“SAIFI 308” consists of 13 single-unit residential levels - 8 levels with deluxe typical apartments, 3 levels with deluxe nonetypical apartments and the 2 top levels containing a duplex penthouse. The building also houses 3 underground car park basement levels and one 4th basement for owner cellars / stores and other technical areas.

Part of the entrance floor area is taken up by technical rooms and a few car park spaces at the rear side. Two separated lifts serve all floors - one main passenger lift and another service lift. Typical apartments consists of 2 en-suite master bedrooms and space provisions for walk in closets, 2 bedrooms with a common bathroom, one TV room, and a large square shaped reception area which is connected to a large dining area.The large kitchen is accessible from the apartment entrance or from a separate external service entrance connected to the service lift. The kitchen includes a breakfast area and gives access to the maid room with bathroom. The apartments boast spectacular views over the private garden of Villa Tabet, which is classified by the authorities and therefore will not change in the future. All the apartment spaces are well lit and aerated. The size of the TV room can be extended onto the balcony areas (by owner).

The penthouse duplex situated at the 12th and 13th floor consists of a reception on the 12th floor which has a breathtaking view over Beirut’s Downtown area and over the sea. The dining room on the 12th floor is accessed through the fire space and forms a true home for the family. The 4 large master bedrooms and the TV area are located on the 13th floor. This level also contains an access to the building staircase and to the service lift. The internal duplex stair has a circular skylight on top which can at a later date be opened up to access the roof area. On the roof provision has been made for the duplex occupant to install a private pool on an elevated wooden deck with a closed kitchenette and bathroom.

The apartments will receive a full AC installation of concealed units with blowers and ventilation grills in most of the spaces. The condensers are integrated within the design and not exposed to public view. All spaces are equipped with radiators which are heated with a conventional heating system with 2 common boilers located in the basements. Hot water is provided by electric heaters installed in each apartment, and if desired occupants can install solar panels at the roof to produce solar hot water. The finishing materials of the interiors vary from pre-cut marble for the reception and bedrooms areas, to ceramic for the kitchen and a mixture of marble and ceramic, wood, mirrors and paint for the bathrooms. All bathroom sanitary ware are of an international standard, with the appliances provided by Grohe or equivalent. The wash basins are under counter type, and all counter tops are made of marble. The external elevations are clad with stone or marble; and the rear side which is not visible from the road is plastered and painted. The external walls are built of double skins of concrete blocks which include 3cm thermal insulation. The windows consist of double glazed aluminium frames. The bedrooms are equipped with electrically activated rolling shutters of European or American make. All balconies have10mm tempered glass balustrade to provide an unobstructed view towards the surrounding area.