Usually representing spirits, ancestors or the primordial couple, these figures were placed in shrines and treated with great respect. Through a wide range of style, scale, belief and function the couples depicted share a timeless, serene equality necessary to the continuity of their societies.

House Al Hamra / Atelier KOE

Architects: Atelier KOE
Location: Dakar, Senegal Senegal
Interior Décor: Atelier KOE
Project Year: 2014
Photographer: Atelier KOE
Website: www.atelierkoe.fr

- 27 January 2016
- Karanja Samuel
Residential , Sustainability , Contemporary African Directory , Conservation Architecture ,

From the Architects
The project Al Hamra resulted from a meeting between a young client in Dakar and Atelier KOE. The buzzing capital of Senegal led him to explore a remote area of the bush, where he eventually wanted to settle.

House Al Hamra / Atelier KOE

The question was how to build and live in this seemingly hostile environment?

House Al Hamra / Atelier KOE

Atelier KOE found the response to both the architectural aesthetic as well as energy autonomy. The spacious residence, built entirely with stabilized earth bricks, totals 400m2 divided into six suites, a large living area, kitchen and dining room. This house was built as a place of open hospitality, welcoming guests with an interior peristyle and quiet fountain. A 12 meter wind tower helps circulate fresh air throughout the building year round.

House Al Hamra / Atelier KOE

More than a relaxing escape from the city, the site was also designed as a working farm, where livestock and agriculture thrive on the land. The entire property is planted with fruit trees, grains, peanut, vegetable and grain crops. This natural vista emerges through the large arched doors and windows of the villa with additional views of the stables and chicken coup.

House Al Hamra / Atelier KOE

Working around the idea of autonomy, Atelier KOE developed a multi-faceted project which offers different levels of privacy, tranquility or activity. Social, cultural and agriculture dynamics seamlessly interact, inside and outside the building.

The architecture, inspired by the site and its surrounding terrain, have brought the land to life. As both villa and farm, Al Hamra functions in its beauty and purpose.

- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe 01
- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe 2
- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe Main Image
- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe 6
- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe Section
- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe 5
- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe 07
- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe 8
- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe 09
- © House Diapo Alhamra Atelierkoe 10

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

If you want your own avatar and keep track of your discussions with the community, sign up to archiDATUM >>

SELECTED WORKS

- 10 Greenest Buildings in Africa
- 09 Apr 2015
The world is moving towards green buildings for sustenance of generations to come where attempts are geared towards global movement and o...
- Diébédo Francis Kéré: Architecture is a Wake-Up Call
- 05 Apr 2015
"Architecture is much more than art. And it is by far more than just building buildings". Meet award-winning architect Diébédo Francis Ké...
- ArchiDATUM Dates: Nikos Salingaros On A Sustainable Developmental Model
- 13 Apr 2015
A sustainable society builds innovation out of its own heritage and traditions, local evolved solutions and practices, etc. It does not t...

CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN DIRECTORY

- Mtamu Kililo and the Brick by Brick Battle in the Savanna: Voi Community Library
- 22 Apr 2015
It’s viewed that most traditional buildings and especially in the African continent are sympathetic to the environment they are located i...
- New Algerian Parliament / Bureau Architecture Méditerannée
- 27 Apr 2015
It is important to recognize the character of the Architecture of the North. This is where the New Algerian Parliament by Bureau Archite...
- AACCSA Headquarters / BC Architects
- 27 Apr 2015
Urbanism, in common perception, comes before architecture: urbanism creates potential by generating conditions to orchestrate the city’s ...