Thirty minutes outside Essaouira, Morocco, architect Othmane Bengebara faced an interesting challenge. His client wanted a house that could work as both a quiet retreat and a place to host creative friends from around the world. Not exactly opposing needs, but close enough to make things tricky. Bengebara’s solution was DDAR, a 300-square-meter villa that sits on 25 acres of agricultural land. The French-Moroccan architect calls it “an observatory open to time and the events of nature,” which sounds poetic but actually makes sense when you see how the building works with its surroundings.
The house looks like it grew from the landscape itself. Its minimalist forms nod to traditional Moroccan building methods while creating thoroughly modern spaces inside. What works about this approach is Bengebara’s restraint—he didn’t try to impose some foreign architectural vision on the Moroccan countryside. Instead, he let the place inform the design, respecting both the physical landscape and building traditions while creating spaces that feel completely contemporary.
Designer: Othmane Bengebara
Multiple lounges handle different moods and group sizes, there’s a proper bar area, bedrooms that feel like retreats, gallery spaces for art, and a kitchen that opens to dining areas. The rooftop terrace and outdoor lounge take advantage of those towering date palms. The house unfolds across multiple levels, with each space designed to work both for intimate moments and larger gatherings.
The real story here is sustainability. Bengebara brought in bioclimatic engineers early on, and they figured out how to use wind patterns for natural cooling. The building’s orientation and window placement mean no need for air conditioning or heating year-round. Solar panels handle electricity, and they’ve set up smart water management systems—crucial in a region where water is precious.
Inside, the house showcases North African art and design from the 1960s to now. Modern pieces sit alongside traditional objects used in new ways. The material palette stays simple: earth tones, natural textures, raw surfaces that change character as light shifts throughout the day. For Bengebara, DDAR marks a personal milestone. It’s his first major project since starting his own practice in 2020, and you can see his philosophy taking shape. He’s interested in how contemporary design can address challenges specific to the Global South, and he made a point of working with local craftspeople.
The result is architecture that doesn’t announce itself loudly but settles comfortably into its context. It’s luxury that doesn’t feel wasteful, contemporary design that doesn’t ignore its setting. In a world full of flashy architectural statements, DDAR’s quiet confidence stands out. This is what thoughtful architecture looks like when it emerges organically from place, tradition, and genuine environmental responsibility.
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