A Modern Inside Out Riad House Surrounded By Gardens

When they designed this lovely family home in Casablanca, Morocco, the architects at Elements Lab found inspiration in the structure of the riad which is a large traditional house built around a central courtyard typically found in Morocco and other Arabic countries.

The house is a simple box-like structure placed at the center of the site, with gardens all around it
The house is a simple box-like structure placed at the center of the site, with gardens all around it

However, the building ended up being structured more like a townhouse, looking like the exact opposite of a riad. There’s the actual house at the center of the plot, surrounded by a garden on all sides. This gives it more privacy from the surrounding neighbors and the street and allows it to feel like an oasis in the middle of a busy city.

The interior design is simple and modern with traditional Moroccan influences
The interior design is simple and modern with traditional Moroccan influences
The exposed concrete walls and floor are complemented by wooden ceiling panels and soft fabrics
The exposed concrete walls and floor are complemented by wooden ceiling panels and soft fabrics
The color palette features throughout the house favors dark tones
The color palette features throughout the house favors dark tones

The owners wanted their new home to be a quiet place, a relaxing and private space where family members could retreat after a busy day and spend time with each other, where they could disconnect from all the chaos surrounding them and recharge their batteries. The traditional riad structure didn’t really fit into these plans plus it wasn’t suited for the contemporary lifestyle of the owners even if all they wanted was peace and quiet. As far as the interior design is concerned, the house relies on simple materials and earthy colors with an emphasis on dark tones. The staircase area for example is completely black, featuring a matching handrail that gently guides the user.

On one side, the house is framed by a tall concrete fence and a lap pool
On one side, the house is framed by a tall concrete fence and a lap pool
Wood and concrete are the two primary materials that make up the exterior and interior of the house
Wood and concrete are the two primary materials that make up the exterior and interior of the house
The exterior design of the house is minimalist with a graphical, eye-catching appearance
The exterior design of the house is minimalist with a graphical, eye-catching appearance
The exposed concrete walls define all the different areas of the house, including the private sections
The exposed concrete walls define all the different areas of the house, including the private sections
The staircase area is all black with sunlight coming through the skylights
The staircase area is all black with sunlight coming through the skylights
The black walls and treads are made of wood which gives a familiar, comfortable vibe
The black walls and treads are made of wood which gives a familiar, comfortable vibe
The house is surrounded by greenery and almost completely isolate from the street
The house is surrounded by greenery and almost completely isolate from the street
The ground floor social areas open up to the garden yet maintain their privacy and intimacy
The ground floor social areas open up to the garden yet maintain their privacy and intimacy