In the midst of a pristine North African landscape, complete with olive trees and manicured grass, a traveler encounters a celestial white building draped in flowing curtains. What is this structure? he wonders. A private residence? An exhibition space? A mirage?
The traveler is right on the first two counts, but not the third. Philippe Barrière’s newest creation, the multipurpose “Residence-Atelier-Foundation,” may appear otherworldly, but it’s no mirage. In fact, it’s a highly practical structure, not just in its efficient use of space, but also in its small ecological footprint.
In addition to its role as a private home, the elegant complex includes an atelier where the client can work on her art and a pavilion where her children and other guests can stay. The complex is also equipped to host art exhibitions and serves as the headquarters of a foundation that supports women artists in Morocco.
The building is located in a picturesque setting in Marrakesh, Morocco, facing the snowy Atlas Mountains. To ensure that the building fit in with its context, Barrière used local materials and techniques, most notably adobe walls. Adobe is a smart choice for hot Morocco: The material serves as a natural heat reservoir, moderating the interior temperature whether it is too high or too low.
The dramatic cantilevered roof is actually a canopy. It is supported by a metal frame that is integrated with the base structure. For the frame canopy,Barrière used high-tech materials but maintained his aim of regulating temperature and conserving energy.
“The eco-friendly design and the construction are based on Hybrid Architecture principles (high-tech/low-tech),” explains Barrière. “It is built with low-tech low-cost traditional adobe walls and with a high-tech ETFE lightweight cantilevered metallic frame canopy. An outer layer of water-repellent curtains protects the entire house from the outside.”
Technical drawings of the scheme
The cantilevered design provides ample shaded space on the veranda. Accordion-style glass doors can be opened and closed according to climate conditions, promoting airflow and providing a gentle transition between interior and exterior.
All images courtesy of Philippe Barrière Collective