Morocco Oasis Retreat | Project | Cannon Clarke Architects

Swimming pool for RIBA design competition

Project Details

Client RIBA Competition Entry
Location North East Fes, Morocco
Size N/A
Sectors Community Leisure

Our proposal for the Morocco Oasis Retreat, RIBA Design Competition, focuses on heritage, sustainability, and community.

The brief was to design a space that serves as a home and retreat, fostering a deep connection with the local community and environment. The challenge was to blend modern architectural practices with the traditional Moroccan aesthetic, ensuring that the design respects and reflects the historical significance of the site while incorporating innovative sustainability features.

Our proposal creates a multifunctional space that honours the Alaoui family’s legacy while integrating luxury living with environmental responsibility. It strengthens educational and social roles, reintroduces local flora and fauna and incorporates sustainable materials. Blending traditional Moroccan aesthetics with innovative self-sustaining features like solar power and water reservoirs, the design is deeply rooted in Islamic values of modesty and respect for nature.

Sustainability

Sustainability shaped our design strategy from the start. Given the site’s location, environmental conditions, and intended use, we developed an approach that integrates water retention systems, solar panels, and traditional Moroccan wind catchers. These elements can work together to minimize environmental impact while optimizing energy efficiency. Additionally, given the client’s connection to the royal family, we believe they have a moral obligation to tackle agricultural responsibility by promoting societal engagement and education. To support this vision, we have created spaces dedicated to education, innovation, and experimentation with sustainable farming practices. These initiatives not only help reduce environmental harm but also contribute to the restoration and replenishment of the local water reservoir.

Culture

Cultural significance was another key theme in the brief, calling for a design that reflects and respects the heritage of the site. In response, we adopted an architectural language deeply rooted in context, favouring buried architecture for its ability to harmonize with the natural contours of the landscape. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also utilizes the thermal mass of the earth to improve energy efficiency. We proposed locally sourced materials, such as rammed earth inspired by Berber construction techniques, to reinforce the connection to the region. Additionally, cultural design elements—such as the iconic Moorish arch pay homage to the site’s historical and architectural ethos. Together, these decisions create a design that is sustainable, inclusive, and deeply respectful of its cultural and natural context.

RIBA’s Design Competition brief highlighted the importance of balancing private and public spaces, encouraging inclusivity. To avoid a “them vs. us” divide, we proposed a scheme that intertwines the Family Residence, Guest Accommodation, and Community Centre to support shared learning and breaking down perceived hierarchies, while maintaining security and privacy.