Maison Ngarapou

Architectural & Interior Design project
Senegal 2025

Conceived as a second residence, this house in Senegal is designed to feel like a retreat. Each bedroom functions as an independent suite, with direct outdoor access that allows guests to move freely between spaces while preserving privacy.

A slender external staircase rises from the ground-floor terrace to the upper level, enabling guests to reach their rooms without crossing the main living area—an idea introduced by the client to reinforce a relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere.

The layout revolves around a courtyard pool that helps regulate the microclimate. Deep pergolas and thatched roofs filter sunlight while allowing natural breezes to flow through the house, drawing inspiration from traditional local architecture, where thick earthen walls and perforated screens provide insulation and encourage natural ventilation.

Natural materials shape the project’s atmosphere of calm and simplicity. Walls finished in earth and stone offer thermal inertia and reduce the need for mechanical cooling. Timber structures and woven fibres introduce warmth and tactile richness, while custom furniture and architectural elements—from the outdoor stair to the shaded terraces—are designed to encourage slow living and relaxation.

By combining passive strategies, natural materials, and a layout that prioritizes independence and outdoor living, the project translates the essence of a holiday home into an architecture deeply rooted in its climate and cultural context.