Overview
The architectural language of the resort is defined by a striking interplay of mass and permeability. The primary residential blocks are conceived as heavy, geometric monoliths with subtly faceted rooflines. To prevent these massive volumes from overpowering the landscape, they are dramatically elevated on a network of slender, angled pilotis (columns) and solid cylindrical cores. This structural elevation allows the upper stone masses to seemingly "float," freeing up the ground plane to create shaded, open-air breezeways that invite the ocean wind deep into the site.
Client:
Private
Year:
2024
Category:
Residential
Location:
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Status:
In Design
Architectural Volumetry & The "Floating" Mass
The spatial narrative of Villa Bingerville is defined by the dichotomy between its two primary levels. The ground floor serves as the active, communal heart of the home. Wrapped entirely in floor-to-ceiling glass, this level dissolves the boundaries between the interior living spaces, the outdoor terraces, and the swimming pool. The transparency of this base creates a seamless visual and physical flow, deeply embedding the home into its tropical garden setting.
In stark contrast, the upper floor is designed as an introverted, highly private volume. Rendered in a smooth, monolithic stucco, this heavy geometric block houses the family’s private quarters. Because the ground floor is so transparent, this solid upper mass appears to dramatically "float" above the landscape. To maintain the purity of this volume while ensuring optimal interior climate control, the façade is punctured only by deeply recessed, strategic window openings. These apertures frame specific sightlines of the Bingerville canopy while providing essential shading against the intense Ivorian sun.
EXTERIOR IMAGES
INTERIOR IMAGES
TEAM
Partners
Omar Diouf, Omar Gueye
Project Team
Ndeye Nguirane, Bernadita Eyi
