African project
Villa Z – Morocco
To achieve the desired level of
privacy, the elevations that are
visible from the street are formed
almost entirely of opaque surfaces.
These curve inwards to form a
series of openings containing
concealed doors and windows. The
villa’s general volume was actually
derived from a cube, but dissolves
into planar surfaces around the
edges. “My principal intention was
to go out from the cube perception
to answer the client’s programme
and routine, and to find the best
way to preserve privacy and protect
the project from the noise of the
prominent front avenue,” Siana
said.
The simple white-rendered
surfaces reference the Modernist
architecture that is a defining
feature of Casablanca’s urban
fabric. “In the city of Casablanca,
traditional modernism has been
the norm in recent years. It was
a laboratory for some brilliant
architects and this Villa does well
to not poke anyone in the eye, while
in the same breath, maintaining its
integrity as a modern artefact in the
city of Casablanca,” he says.
The project is an experience
where Siana tried to develop
practical spaces for the new
way of Moroccan life; a cultural
dilemma between privacy and the
contemporary open way of life.
The architecture of Villa Z is based
on ecological and passive solutions
to maintain the best climate
possible inside, so the automated
roof canopy plays the role of
acclimatization of the traditional
patio. “From the first step it was
important to avoid the square
shape, and the circular form of the
skylight was the best solution.”
concludes Siana.
africandesignmagazine.com
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