DDAR Villa Sustainable Moroccan Architecture Explained

An Architectural Challenge Near Essaouira

Just thirty minutes from the city of Essaouira in Morocco, architect Othman Ben Jbara faced an exciting architectural challenge. The goal was to design a house that combined tranquility with the ability to host creative friends from around the world. While these requirements are not entirely contradictory, they are close enough to present a challenge that demands careful architectural thinking.

The Solution: DDAR Villa

Ben Jbara responded to this challenge by designing the DDAR Villa, which spans 300 square meters and sits on a vast 25-acre agricultural plot. The French-Moroccan architect describes it as “an observatory open to time and the events of nature”, a poetic description that makes sense when observing how the building interacts with its natural surroundings.

Interaction with Nature and Heritage

The house appears as if it has grown organically from within nature itself. The villa’s simple forms reflect Moroccan building traditions, while the interior spaces offer a fully contemporary design. What makes this approach successful is Ben Jbara’s ability to calibrate his personal vision; he avoided imposing a foreign architectural style on the Moroccan countryside and, instead, allowed the site to guide the design. This balance between respecting the natural landscape and preserving architectural traditions, while introducing modern elements, results in interiors that feel completely contemporary without losing their connection to the surrounding environment.

Exterior view of DDAR Villa surrounded by palm trees and Moroccan landscape

Contemporary interior design of the living room in DDAR Villa with traditional elements

Diverse Spaces to Meet Every Need

The villa accommodates multiple lounges suited for different moods and group sizes, featuring a dedicated bar and areas for art exhibitions, alongside bedrooms that feel like tranquil retreats. The kitchen opens onto dining areas, enhancing interaction during gatherings, while the outdoor terraces and rooftop lounge benefit from the natural shade of the surrounding tall palm trees. The house spans multiple levels, with each space carefully designed to meet daily needs for intimate moments as well as larger gatherings.

Sustainability as a Core Element

Perhaps the most important aspect of this project is its focus on sustainability. From the earliest stages, Ben Jbara collaborated with bioclimatic engineers to leverage natural factors in cooling the house, such as wind directions. The building orientation and window placement were carefully designed to minimize reliance on air conditioning and heating throughout the year.

Additionally, solar panels were installed to generate electricity, and smart water management systems were implemented, an essential feature in a region where water resources are limited and precious. This integration of architectural design and environmental sustainability reflects an advanced awareness of how modern buildings can harmonize with their surrounding environment.

Open kitchen with dining area reflecting the integration of interior spaces

Art and Design at the Heart of the Villa

The house presents a comprehensive showcase of North African art and design from the 1960s to the present day. Modern pieces sit alongside traditional objects, creatively repurposed, reflecting respect for cultural heritage with a contemporary touch. The material palette remains simple, relying on earthy tones, natural textures, and raw surfaces on walls and ceilings that change character as the light shifts throughout the day, adding a dynamic dimension to the space.

Ben Jbara’s Philosophy and the Project’s Interaction with the Community

The DDAR Villa marks a milestone in Othman Ben Jbara’s career, being his first major project since starting his own practice in 2020. The project reveals his interest in how contemporary design can address specific challenges, such as supporting local artisans and promoting sustainability in materials and architectural practices.

Calm and Responsible Architecture

The final result is architecture that does not shout but blends quietly with its surroundings. The villa embodies restrained luxury and contemporary design that respects the local environment. In a world filled with flashy architectural innovations, the quiet confidence of DDAR Villa stands out, representing a form of mindful architecture that grows organically from the place, traditions, and environmental responsibility.

Calm bedroom serving as a private retreat in DDAR Villa

Contemporary North African artworks placed alongside traditional pieces

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

When observing the DDAR Villa, the project’s commitment to sustainability and harmony with the surrounding environment is clearly evident, alongside attention to interior design that blends modernity with heritage. These aspects give the project a distinctive character and highlight the architect’s philosophy of respecting the site and cultural heritage.

However, some may feel that the multiple spaces and the multi-level layout complicate daily circulation, and reliance on modern technologies such as solar panels and water management systems could present challenges in terms of maintenance or long-term costs. In this sense, the project remains a rich and inspiring experience, but one that requires a careful balance between design ambition and the practical considerations of everyday living.