In Casablanca, fashion house Elie Saab and award-winning architecture studio SAOTA have unveiled Elie Saab Casablanca – Art of Living, a landmark multi-residential development defined by composure, craftsmanship and a deep respect for place. The collaboration brings together SAOTA’s context-driven architectural approach with Elie Saab’s unmistakable signature of elegance, resulting in a collection of villas conceived as private sanctuaries that elevate the rituals of daily life.
Set against the Atlantic coastline, the estate has been carefully recalibrated to maximise views and natural light. Whether positioned at the forefront or further inland, each villa has been oriented to capture ocean vistas and generous daylight. Living areas spill into gardens and terraces, dissolving the boundary between indoors and out in a way that feels instinctively suited to the climate.
At the heart of every home, a soaring central atrium runs from the top floor to the basement, drawing sunlight deep into the interior and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This vertical gesture not only enhances sustainability but reinforces a sense of openness and calm. Echoing the spatial tradition of the Moroccan riad, substantial exterior walls enclose a secluded world within. The ground plane is extensively landscaped to evoke the feeling of a generous garden, entirely pedestrianised and free from cars, with vehicle circulation discreetly accommodated underground.
SAOTA’s interpretation of Elie Saab Haute Couture is expressed through refined detailing and a restrained material palette. Fluted concrete panels introduce rhythm and shadow, while pigmented plaster and stone lend texture and depth. Interiors are shaped by two distinct palettes: the Autumn/Winter collection features pink plaster tones drawn from Moroccan tradition, while the Spring/Summer collection embraces lighter hues that suggest freshness and renewal. No two villas are alike; each is calibrated to its microclimate, orientation and views, offering a distinctly individual experience of place.
The clubhouse anchors the development with a sculptural façade that echoes the architectural language of the villas. More than a shared amenity, it becomes a focal point for community life and a measured retreat from the intensity of the city.
Roxanne Kaye, Principal at SAOTA, explains: “From the outset, our vision was to create a living environment that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Every design decision was made to ensure a sense of sanctuary, light, and connection to place. Collaborating with Art of Living was instrumental in realising this vision; their commitment to quality and experiential living allowed us to push the boundaries of what contemporary residential design can achieve in Casablanca, Morrocco.”
With Elie Saab Casablanca – Art of Living, architecture and couture align in a residential offering that feels both composed and quietly expressive — a considered vision of refined living on Africa’s northern edge.
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Images: Supplied
