Marrakech Villa

Our firm was the winner of an international competition to develop a master plan for a resort community in Marrakech, Morocco.  This home, completed in 2010, represents the first built residence in the development which includes villas, a golf course and hotel.  Each house in the development has been designed around the unique environmental parameters of the site.  To maximize views while maintaining energy efficiency and comfort in the extreme Moroccan climate, the house uses deep terraces to protect doors and windows from the direct sun while creating comfortable outdoor living spaces throughout.  Cross ventilation is provided for all the rooms to minimize air conditioning needs and the thick exterior walls provide thermal mass, also beneficial in the hot, dry climate of Marrakech.  Solar hot water heaters hidden on the roof produce adequate hot water for the both the swimming pool and sanitary hot water, and a grey-water treatment center for the complex reuses wastewater for irrigation needs. 

The aesthetics and design of this home is a tribute to the rich history of art deco architecture of Morocco with particular inflections that capture the outdoor lifestyle and unique color palette of Marrakech.  The skill of the local artisans provided us with a rare opportunity to design and execute custom architectural elements and details in metal, tile and plaster which might only be accessible in a country with a rich craft tradition.  In addition to the architectural design, our firm was also hired to develop the interior finish and furnishings package and many of the furniture pieces and light fixtures were custom designed especially for this home.