Tlay

camp hotel

PROJECT DISCIPLINES:

Spatial design

BRIEF:

Our studio was tasked with the complete development of a unique camp hotel situated in the Sahara Desert, Morocco. This ambitious project encompassed everything from the general layout to the design of all exterior and interior spaces, along with branding development.

The brief called for a balance of traditional Berber aesthetics and sophisticated European design, creating an elevated yet authentic experience. Positioned as a high-market offering, the hotel is designed to appeal to couples, families with older children, and groups seeking a luxurious desert retreat with thoughtful amenities.

Research & visit to Morocco

The project began with an extensive research phase, delving deeply into Morocco’s arts and Berber culture. This included a visit to the country to engage with local craftsmen, experience life in the desert, and assess the hotel site.

↓

These insights were critical in informing the design, ensuring it respected local traditions while introducing elements of subtle luxury.

Meeting artisans and studying Berber patterns and materials allowed us to incorporate authentic cultural details into the design, creating a meaningful connection to the region.

Circular Staggered Layout

Inspired by the natural beauty of the Sahara and in an effort to maximise views, the hotel’s layout is conceived as a series of staggered layers to allow for uninterrupted views of the breathtaking desert landscape.

At the highest level sits the central restaurant and café, while the middle layers house special spaces such as a star-gazing room and a multipurpose yoga area. The lowest level features private suites arranged in a circular layout to ensure privacy and panoramic views. This thoughtful design creates a seamless flow while optimizing the guest experience.

Level 3: Restaurant, Café, and Pool

At the heart of the hotel lies the restaurant-café, a central space designed to cater to diverse needs with varied seating arrangements, from large groups to intimate corners. Special care was taken on the orientation of all seating areas so that there are positions
to enjoy every possible direction of the horizon.

The enclosed pool offers guests a serene oasis, shielded from the desert sandstorms allowing the place to be fully closed on severe storms.

Surrounding the pool are sofas, sun loungers and cozy pillow corners for guests to relax under the magical desert sky at dusk or dawn. In addition, we have included dug-out fire pits to enjoy the environment outside. Moreover, a central fireplace and low seating with pillows create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for cooler winter nights.

Level 2: Star-Gazing building &
Multipurpose Yoga Room

On the middle layer, the star-gazing room offers an unparalleled celestial experience. Inspired by the vivid Touareg blue, the funnel-shaped room features angled walls and an open roof to minimize light interference, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the desert’s stunning night sky. Traditional Berber carpets and pillows add comfort and cultural authenticity.

The multipurpose yoga room is aligned east to west, offering spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset during sessions. Its design includes an external staircase leading to the roof, perfect for open-air activities, and dramatic deep-framed windows that capture the Sahara’s endless horizon.