Situated at the point where Abidjan’s vibrant cityscape meets the tranquil waters of the Ébrié Lagoon, Lagoon Villa stands as an example of architecture in harmony with its environment.
Designed by SAOTA with interior design by Claude Missir, the villa pays homage to Abidjan’s modernist architectural tradition, whilst being thoughtfully adapted to the demands of contemporary living and the distinct characteristics of its site.
Lagoon Villa is more than a family home; it is positioned on the waterfront, creating a seamless dialogue between its structure and the natural surroundings, effectively erasing the traditional boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The design was heavily influenced by the client’s desire to enhance the home’s connection to the lagoon and its surrounding environment. Among its most distinctive features is the permeable roof, composed of concrete beams and skylights that allow natural light to sift through, mimicking the effect of sunlight filtering through tree leaves.
This architectural feature, combined with the villa’s tiered courtyards, effectively softens the distinction between the villa’s interior and the outdoors, underscoring SAOTA’s commitment to integrating the landscape into its designs. Its setting in a park-like garden reinforces this integration.
In response to the tropical climate of West Africa, SAOTA’s architectural design incorporates substantial overhangs that provide ample shade and broad sliding doors that merge indoor spaces with the outdoors, inviting the natural landscape into the living areas.
This openness is carefully balanced with cooler, shaded interiors that offer a respite from the tropical heat while maintaining a connection with the outdoors.
The villa’s cleverly crafted transitional spaces are designed to blur the distinctions between indoors and outdoors, offering protection from and engagement with the natural elements. These features are not only aesthetically appealing but also promote environmental sustainability.
The design of the villa fosters natural ventilation, minimising the reliance on artificial cooling, and the strategic utilisation of natural lighting enhances the warmth and ambiance of the living spaces.
Claude Missir, overseeing the interior design, has infused the spaces with a refined practicality and a distinctive soulful- ness, evident throughout Lagoon Villa.