Villa des Oliviers
Project location:
Village of Sidi Allal el Bahraoui, between Rabat and Meknes
Design scope:
Architectural and interior design
Design type:
Private villa
Project size:
225 m2 on one level, on 1.5-hectare site
Key features:
- Traditional rammed earth walls.
- Sweeping panoramic view of surrounding countryside.
- Roof for shade, natural lighting, and ventilation.
- Japanese aesthetic – shoji panels, open floor plan, and “engawa” hallway/ covered porch.
- House placed for solar orientation.
- Solar powered well pump provides water to the house.
This most prominent design feature in this project is the large overhanging roof, which is designed to provide shade, natural lighting, and ventilation, creating an indoor environment that is both comfortable and energy-efficient. The house is placed for optimal solar orientation, maximizing the benefits of sunlight throughout the day.
The interior design draws heavily from Japanese aesthetics, featuring shoji panels that allow for flexible space usage and an open floor plan that encourages a free flow of movement. An "engawa" or hallway doubles as a covered porch, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The structure is built with rammed earth walls, a technique that not only pays tribute to ancient building methods but also offers excellent thermal mass, keeping the interior temperature stable in all seasons. Sustainable design features include solar-powered well pump provides water to the house, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
The location of the house on the site, open floor plan, and panoramic glazing provide sweeping views of the surrounding countryside from virtually any room in the house.
