The Colonnade House by Atelier Messaoudi Architects was designed for a son who wanted to create a more accessible living space for his parents. The house is located in Tipasa, a neighborhood 50 km west of Algiers, and features a large pecan tree in the yard. The family’s previous home had limited access to the garden and limited social interaction, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The design of the house prioritizes spatial fluidity, with protected interior spaces and exterior areas that can be used year-round.
The house’s envelope is designed to offer physical and visual contact with the outside, through openings that give the impression of an open yet closed house. The colonnaded gallery protects the house from different weather conditions and provides additional space for the family to use for circulation, reception, and dining. The main rooms are oriented south and overlook the garden, while the secondary spaces are located on the north, where there is a second garden and an outdoor kitchen with a terrace. The spaces are designed according to the standards and needs of disabled persons.
The house also incorporates cross ventilation to offer optimal comfort during summer and winter. The materials, furniture, and carpentry were all made locally by the region’s artisans. The Colonnade House has been shortlisted in the Arab Architects Awards 2022, Category Private Housing.
Photographs :Reda Ait Saada
