Interior Design Archives - A359

Finding a Builder in Morocco

architecture359 — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 07:27:39 +0000

When looking for a builder in Morocco, it’s crucial to start with trusted recommendations. Ask your architect, a friend, or someone else you trust to suggest a reliable builder. Speaking with the builder’s past clients and visiting the houses they have built can provide valuable insights.

It’s also wise to choose a builder who is a member of a professional organization, such as the Association Marocaine des Entrepreneurs de Bâtiment et Travaux Publics (AMEBTP), the Fédération Nationale des Promoteurs Immobiliers (FNPI), or the Syndicat National des Architectes (SNA). Remember, it’s important that you find the builder, rather than letting them find you. To ensure you get the best deal, bid the job to several builders and secure the price in a written contract.

To save on costs, consider starting with a small house and adding on later. Using simple, traditional finishes and low-cost local materials can also help manage expenses. Lastly, always allow for a minimum 10% contingency in your construction budget, though 30% is even better for unexpected costs.

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Clarifying “Pisé” in Morocco: Mud Brick vs. Rammed Earth

architecture359 — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 10:56:22 +0000

Clarifying “Pisé in Morocco: Mud Brick vs. Rammed Earth

“Pisé” is a widely used building material in Morocco, but it can be confusing because the term is used in reference to several different building techniques. Understanding the distinctions between mud brick, traditional rammed earth, and modern rammed earth, as well as the types of plaster used, is important for anyone planning a construction project. Here, we clarify these materials and techniques to help you make informed decisions and communicate effectively with your contractor.

Wall Construction: Mud Brick vs. Traditional Rammed Earth vs. Modern Rammed Earth

- Mud Brick, or "adobe brick" is a traditional material made by mixing earth with water and straw, then forming it into bricks and letting them dry in the sun. Mud bricks have been used for centuries, providing excellent thermal properties.

- Traditional Rammed Earth: This method involves compacting a mixture of damp earth into a formwork to create solid walls. It’s known for its robustness and aesthetic appeal.

- Modern Rammed Earth: While similar to traditional rammed earth, this modern variant often includes additional materials like cement and steel reinforcing to enhance strength and durability. Despite frequently appearing in internet searches, modern rammed earth is not commonly used in Morocco. It requires structural engineering similar to concrete.

Outer Coatings: Mud Plaster vs. Cement Plaster/Stucco

- Traditional Mud Plaster is applied over walls to create a hand-made finish of natural mud. It requires periodic maintenance, especially in regions with high humidity or exposure to the elements.

- Modern Cement Plaster, also called Stucco, provides a more durable and longer-lasting finish compared to mud plaster. It can be designed to mimic the appearance of traditional mud plaster.

Four Types of “Pisé” using the above systems:

1. Thin plaster coating on a modern concrete block wall: This is a widely used modern construction method where a thin layer of plaster is applied to block walls. It can be colored and textured to resemble traditional finishes and even include bits of straw to mimic adobe.

2. Traditional Rammed Earth: As previously mentioned, this involves compacting earth into formwork to create solid, load-bearing walls. It’s admired for its rustic natural beauty and thermal mass. It can be left exposed but is normally covered in some kind of plaster.

3. Traditional Mud Brick: Mud bricks are handmade and dried naturally, then stacked to form walls. They offer good insulation but require regular maintenance. It can be left exposed or covered in plaster.

4. Engineered Rammed Earth: Although not widely available in Morocco, this technique incorporates stabilizers like cement to improve strength and longevity. It is typically left exposed.

It's important to note that traditional mud plaster walls need “refreshing” every few years, depending on the exposure and climate. To reduce maintenance, some opt to use modern plaster, which can last longer and still achieve an adobe-like appearance. For example, "Villa des Oliviers" utilized traditional rammed earth covered with a modern cement plaster layer. The Villa in Marrakech utilized adobe mud bricks covered with cement plaster.

When working with a contractor, ensure they understand the specific type of “Pisé” you want and confirm their ability to execute it properly. Ask to see examples of their past projects. Clear communication and planning are key to achieving the desired outcome for your project.

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Heating: Dispelling Myths About Climate in Morocco

architecture359 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:56:50 +0000

When people think of Morocco, images of hot, sun-drenched landscapes and warm temperatures often come to mind. However, this is a common misconception. While Morocco does enjoy warm weather for much of the year, the reality is that it can get quite cold in most parts of the country, particularly during the winter months. This cold can be especially pronounced indoors, where it can feel downright freezing.

One of the key reasons for this indoor chill is that building regulations in Morocco only recently began to require insulation in walls. As a result, many buildings, both old and new, lack proper insulation. Additionally, buildings in Morocco are often constructed with materials designed to combat the heat, such as concrete and tile. While these materials provide a cool respite during the summer, they can create a chilly indoor environment in the winter.

If you are designing a house in Morocco, it is crucial to consider various heating options to ensure a comfortable living space throughout the year. Heating systems like mini splits, radiators, and heated floors can all be effective solutions. However, the placement of this equipment can significantly impact both the look of a room and the effectiveness of the heating.

To optimize the heating system, it is advisable to work closely with an architect to determine the best locations for radiators before construction begins. Radiant floors are another option to consider, as they provide consistent warmth and can be an aesthetically pleasing addition to any home. Heat pumps, such as mini splits, are a popular choice in Morocco due to their efficiency, but it is important to conceal the condenser units to maintain the visual appeal of the space. For larger rooms, a ducted system may be the most practical and efficient solution.

By carefully planning your heating system and working with experienced professionals, you can create a comfortable and cozy home in Morocco, dispelling the myth that it is always a warm or hot country.

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