Hotel Zarzur
Project location:
Medina of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, near Mausoleum
Design scope:
Architectural and interior design
Design type:
Boutique Hotel / Riad
Project size:
600 m2 interior space in six levels on 155m2 site
Key features:
- Renovation of old Riad in ruins.
- Difficult site access, thru narrow winding streets uphill.
- Challenge of working on a dense, highly constrained site on steep slope.
- Creating a sense of traditional luxury with limited space.
- Rich cascade of outdoor terraces, with communal spaces strategically distributed within private suites.
- Views of Moulay Idriss Mausoleum and surrounding countryside.
An abandoned riad lies hidden in a labyrinth of narrow streets and winding stairways of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. This proposed renovation makes the most of the tight confines of the cliffside terrain and dense urban fabric of the medina. The challenge of conveying a sense of luxury within such a limited footprint is achieved by incorporated a rich cascade of outdoor terraces, planters, and balconies, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding countryside and the majestic Moulay Idriss Mausoleum.
Communal spaces are strategically distributed within private suites, encouraging interaction amongst the visitors. These communal spaces are connected by a stair which ascends though a series of open patios that draw daylight and fresh air to the innermost spaces of the hotel.
Construction began on Hotel Zarzur in 2019. Unfortunately, changes in zoning regulations halted this project. It is currently dormant.
