Occupying a small segment of the desolate desert just outside of the city of Marrakesh, the Gurrugal House stands strong and proud. The Marrakesh-Palmeraie is scattered with an array of palm trees and sand-covered hills as far as the eye can see, and within it, the Gurrugal House embodies solitude and fortitude. Designed for Morocco’s famous contemporary calligraphy artist, Noureddine Daifallah, the dwelling is an art form in itself.

Blending in with its landscape, its bare exterior doesn’t give away the secrets it holds. The single storey residence is an exploration of not only the client, but its location, boasting an oasis of palm trees and shallow waters in its core contrasted by a strong, linear composure with heavy foundations.

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The location is additionally reflected and celebrated within the materiality of the Gurrugal House, with the weather and heat conditions of the Marrakesh-Palmeraie consequently being taken into consideration.

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Beige rendered concrete walls, travertine covered floors, and porcelain marble tiles contrast against the softness and naturalness of their surroundings, whilst simultaneously providing a cooling sensation against the unforgiving heat of the Moroccan sun.

The exploration of the client extends into the architectural spatial aspects of the Gurrugal House. Each room becomes a unique experience, heightening human emotion through perspective and scale through the use of large-scale windows and sky lights, sculpted using raw materials and minimal furnishings facilitates, evokes and heightens the senses as one makes their journey through the occupancy.