{"id":264116,"date":"2025-09-11T14:33:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T18:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/?post_type=id_project&p=264116"},"modified":"2025-09-11T14:37:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T18:37:42","slug":"morrocan-eco-retreat-by-othmane-bengebara","status":"publish","type":"id_project","link":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/projects\/morrocan-eco-retreat-by-othmane-bengebara\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside an Eco Retreat Paying Homage to Moroccan Design"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Architect Othmane Bengebara crafted this eco country retreat near the coastal town of Essaouira, Morocco, that is truly rooted in the rhythms of the countryside.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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September 11, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n

Words: <\/span>Maghie Ghali<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography: <\/span>Iman Zaoin<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Inside an Eco Retreat Paying Homage to Moroccan Design<\/h1>\n\n\n

Surrounded by 80 ancient Argan trees and 25 acres of agricultural land, Ddar, a recently completed private country retreat near the coastal town of Essaouira, Morocco, is an ode to vernacular architecture, local craft, and vintage design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed by Moroccan architect Othmane Bengebara<\/a>, the house is a medley of heritage techniques and materials from the region, like lime and clay, but reimagined with a contemporary edge. Touches from local artisans, like handmade tiles, carved wood panels and brass handles, adorn the interiors, all rendered in natural earthy tones and textures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Othmane Bengebara Creates An Ode To Moroccan Architecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Architect Othmane Bengebara crafted this eco country retreat near the coastal town of Essaouira, Morocco, that is truly rooted in the rhythms of the countryside.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe structure of the house is inspired by the Moroccan douar<\/em>, traditional rural villages, where nothing is the same height or shape, so the house has a variety of volumes and weaves around the central courtyard,\u201d Bengebara says. \u201cWe used traditional clay with sand and rammed earth for the walls, and the house almost disappears into the environment from a distance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The home is powered by solar panels, and water management strategies have reduced its consumption, making it an eco-friendly haven. By combining ancient temperature-regulating techniques in local architecture with modern science from bioclimatic engineers, the house avoids the need for heating and air conditioning throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore This Climate-Conscious Country Retreat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Exterior view of the DDAR home featuring Charles Zublena’s “Eurolax R1” long chairs, 1965.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe house is positioned to be facing the natural wind channels in the north, with windows to allow the channels to come through the house. The south-facing side is more shaded, to limit sun exposure,\u201d he explains. \u201cThe ceilings are also very high\u2014six meters in the living room\u2014so the hot air rises and escapes through air vents and cool air stays at the bottom. The clay used in the walls is also great at controlling temperature.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The interiors have been decorated with the owner\u2019s collection of local antique crafts, in addition to vintage art, design, and furniture pieces from the 20th century until today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How This Modern Home Showcases Moroccan Craftsmanship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The bar features Mathieu Mategot\u2019s \u201cDomino\u201d coffee table, c. 1953; Ben Elliot\u2019s \u201cXChair in collaboration with Nagami\u201d, 2023; Yamo\u2019s \u201cDiabolo\u201c floor lamp, c. 1990; Haha jar, first part of the 20th century; Shirin Neshat\u2019s photograph from the \u201cSoliloquy\u201d series, 1999; Yamo\u2019s \u201cLe Fourmilier\u201d table lamp, 1987; and Mathieu Mategot\u2019s \u201cNagasaki\u201d bar stools, 1954.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For example, the artisanal wood-carved bar sits in contrast with Mathieu Mat\u00e9got\u2019s 1950s Nagasaki bar stools and Ben Elliot\u2019s transparent XChair. The lounge features a traditional recessed seating area facing a seamless suspended chimney and a 1990s Cigogne coffee table by Chafik Gasmi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The overall result is a tranquil retreat immersed in its context, which celebrates timeless craft and architecture, but redesigned for our modern world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Othmane Bengebara Crafts A Sustainable Refuge In The Heart Of Morocco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\"conversation
Conversation pit in the living room featuring Mathieu Mategot\u2019s side tables, c. 1950\u2019s; Sammy Bernoussi (Hall Haus); Abdellah Outghit\u2019s ceramic lamps commissioned by DDAR, 2024; and Chafik\u2019s \u201cCigogne\u201d coffee table, c. 1990. There are also antique ceramic hand wash basins from the region of Essaouira.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Kitchen area with Sammy Bernoussi (Hall Haus) and Abdellah Outghit\u2019s tajine stand commissioned by DDAR, 2024.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The terrace area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"bedroom
The bedroom features Olivier Mourgue’s “Djinn” long chair, 1965; Chafik’s “Gazelle” table, 1989; Maison du Bled’s jug, 2024; antique ceramics jar from the region of Essaouira; and Santiago Sierra’s “La”, 2023.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Bedroom nook with four works by Mohamed Babahoum, c. 2010; Abdi’s “Le\u00efla” table, 1990; and Hall Haus’ “DKR” chair, 2022.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n