When construction was already underway, the owner of this five-storey 2800sq.m. modern residence in Casa Blanca, Morocco, approached Nico van der Meulen Architects to redesign the exterior and design the interiors.
As the plan was a box shape that filled the stand from side to side, Werner van der Meulen, the Head Designer, decided to create a screen made from through-color fiber-cement panels to add visual interest and depth.
This solution also helped heat control in the very hot climate by keeping the sun off the glazed walls.
Using a lot of glass and replacing some of the concrete with a steel structure assisted in creating a more contemporary and less solid appearance.
Roof gardens were created on several levels, greening the structure and helping to reduce the heat island effect of the huge concrete structure, while softening the starkness of the structure.
The interiors are a sophisticated medley of natural materials, glass, and steel.
The interesting lighting design creates an intriguing nighttime ambiance through the use of light, shadows, and dramatic backlighting.