Ourika Valley Villa
This rural villa is located in the bucolic Ourika river valley which serves as an escape from the noise of bustling Marrakech. Local building methods and materials create a traditional and rustic sensory experience while still incorporating modern amenities. The arrangement of living room and terraces on the upper floors treats the inhabitants to uninterrupted views of the nearby Atlas Mountains.
Design and Construction
Situated within a small wedge-shaped parcel of land, this guest house unfolds in a meandering layout, making good use of the challenging site. The house harmoniously blends with the neighbors due to its form and use of local construction materials. Despite the proximity to the road, the project ensures privacy without compromising the breathtaking mountain views. This is achieved through strategically placed glazing and terraces and breeze block screens, all of which frame the picturesque landscape.
The building’s unconventional shape and design elements set it apart, creating a unique and memorable experience for visitors. The custom designed steel door and window frames are a nod to early modern architecture in Morocco. The fusion of traditional and modern finishes and furnishings resulting in an environment that is both timeless and contemporary.
Villa Zarzur
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is a small historic town about 65 km outside of Fez. Perched on a steep mountainside, its medina is built around the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, Morocco's most important pilgrimage site. The nearby ruins of Volubilis draw both Moroccan on foreign tourists who come to explore the ancient remains of this Roman town.
In response to increasing tourism, Villa Zarzur is an adaptive renovation of two abandoned riads which climbs five stories up the rocky hillside and overlooks the mausoleum and town square. Named after a native bird often seen on site, Villa Zarzur will be a boutique hotel with seven guest suites, a dining hall, and roof terraces.
A359 surveyed and assessed the existing structure to determine the best strategy for adapting the old labyrinth of rooms into open, flowing spaces with panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Working closely with the clients, A359 is developing a vision of a hotel which blends rural Moroccan and classic modern design elements in a minimalist and context-sensitive manner.
