Nestled where Abidjan’s dynamic skyline meets the calm waters of the Ébrié Lagoon, the Lagoon Villa in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa) exemplifies a seamless balance between modern design and natural beauty. Created by SAOTA with interiors by Claude Missir, the residence reinterprets Abidjan’s modernist heritage through a contemporary lens, thoughtfully responding to its tropical setting and waterfront location.
Conceived as more than a private home, the villa blurs the boundaries between architecture and landscape. Its design, guided by the client’s wish to strengthen the connection with the lagoon, features a striking permeable roof of concrete beams and skylights that scatter sunlight like dappled leaves. Tiered courtyards, generous overhangs, and wide sliding doors foster a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, while ensuring comfort and shade within the tropical climate.
The villa’s structure invites the landscape into the home, with transitional areas offering both protection from and immersion in the natural elements. This approach not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes environmental sustainability through natural ventilation and light, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
Claude Missir’s interiors bring warmth and soul to the villa’s modernist precision. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment, Missir employs a palette of earthy tones and tactile materials that echo the lagoon’s hues and textures. The collaboration between SAOTA and Missir results in a cohesive, tranquil retreat that embodies harmony—between architecture and nature, light and shade, and contemporary luxury and timeless serenity.
Project & images: https://www.saota.com/project/lagoon-villa-abidjan/
Article by: Lily Wong
