Villa Sahar: Architectural Design by Mahfoud Laasri in Casablanca
A residential project exploring the interplay between material mass, transparency, and morning light.
1Project Overview and Scope
Villa Sahar is a private residential project located in Casablanca, Morocco, designed by Mahfoud Laasri Architecte. The structure spans a total area of 965 square meters and reached completion in 2025. The design focuses on the complex relationship between architectural mass and transparency, creating a distinct dialogue with the surrounding landscape.
2Conceptual Design Inspiration
The project name derives from the Arabic word Sahar, signifying the period immediately preceding dawn. The principal facade is oriented toward the east to maximize the impact of morning light. This orientation serves as the primary inspiration for the architectural expression, defining how light interacts with the building's interior and exterior surfaces.
3Materiality and Structural Components
The construction utilizes a specific palette of materials including glass, steel, and concrete to achieve its aesthetic goals. These elements facilitate the interplay between solid mass and lightness. The structural integrity of the residence was managed by BIM BET, ensuring that the design intent remained consistent throughout the complex construction process.
4Collaborating Industry Partners
The project involved several specialized manufacturers to meet the design specifications of Mahfoud Laasri. Key brands contributing to the build include Saint-Gobain, ALPI, HDL, Reckli, Roca, Sépalumic, and Treemme. These partners provided the necessary technical components to realize the high-end residential requirements and the specific material finishes requested by the architectural office.
5Execution and Project Management
The general contractor responsible for the execution of Villa Sahar was SGCR. Their role involved coordinating the various structural and interior design elements specified by MLA. The project documentation highlights a rigorous approach to architectural detailing, ensuring that the interplay of light and materiality was successfully translated into the final built form.
6Architectural Identity and Context
Situated in Casablanca, the villa reflects a contemporary approach to residential architecture in Morocco. By prioritizing the eastern facade, the architects established a direct connection between the residence and the natural environment. This design choice emphasizes the importance of site-specific planning in modern residential developments within the urban Moroccan landscape.
7Documentation and Visual Representation
The architectural documentation of Villa Sahar includes photography by Alessio Mei, which captures the interplay of light and shadow across the building's facade. These visual records serve as the primary reference for the project's spatial qualities. The project was formally published in November 2026, documenting its status as a completed residential work.
8Significance of Residential Design
Villa Sahar demonstrates how specific conceptual themes, such as the transition of light at dawn, can dictate structural and material choices. By balancing heavy concrete elements with transparent glass, the project achieves a unique aesthetic identity. It stands as a notable example of how modern residential architecture integrates environmental factors with material innovation.