One of the delights of visiting Morocco is the chance to stay in beautiful accommodation. Throughout time this country has been shaped by African, Arabic and European traditions. These influences are reflected so openly in the stunning riads found in enclaves of the medina and cobbled lanes in old walled centres of the cities. Don’t pass up the chance to stay in these one-of-a-kind mini-palaces while staying in Morocco. Riads allow visitors to enjoy an authentic local experience along with an opportunity to live in a space where they can encounter the country’s distinctive architectural style intimately.
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses that are based on Moroccan architecture and Islamic art and design. They can be found in the busy medinas of towns like Marrakech and Fes. The word “Riad” comes from the Arabic word for “garden,” “ryad,” which perfectly describes how peaceful and calm the place is. The Moroccan way of life is reflected in Riads, which combine family, nature, and culture in a way that looks like one whole thing.
The Origins and Evolution of Riads
If you want an appreciation of what goes into creating this unique style of home, brush up on Moroccan riad architecture with our guide. The word riad has its origins in the Arabic word for garden. The original aesthetic for these traditional Moroccan homes built during the Idrisid Dynasty - an Arab Zaydi-Shia dynasty that ruled the country from 788 to 924 - came from Volubilis. This ancient Berber city was at one time part of the Roman Empire, and riads evolved from Roman villas.
After Spain was conquered by the imperial Almoravid Berber Dynasty, Muslim, Christian and Jewish artisans came from Andalusia to Morocco and inspired many of the design elements found in riads today. Back then these homes were the dwellings of members of the royal court and wealthy merchant families. Over time they have been renovated (some modernised with amenities) to provide unique lodgings for travellers staying in Morocco. The Islamic ideas of humility and privacy are reflected in Riad architecture. That’s why Riads tend to have small exteriors that hide their grandeur inside.
Key Features of a Moroccan Riad Floor Plan
One of the things that distinguish a riad is its design. Riads often have two or more stories, and at the heart of these homes is an open Andalusian-style courtyard often with a fountain, or pool, or garden. These courtyards are usually adorned with tile art and Arabic calligraphy with quotes from the Quran, and you may even see a handful of lemon or orange trees. The inward facing scheme of the Riad is designed to maximize family privacy from the outside world. As such, rooms typically have windows and balconies looking back inward to the courtyard rather than outward facing.
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Riads are created in such a way that all the rooms have windows and balconies facing inwards to the courtyard instead of overlooking the street, a humble door on the outside encompasses the riad’s entrance. On the one hand, the design of a riad allows families to enjoy their privacy (keeping with Islamic cultural norms), and on the other, it gives them cooling respite from the hot weather of the region. Riads do not have a closed roof, the rooms tucked off the central courtyard are enclosed within the building, but the courtyard is open to the heavens.
Architectural Elements and Design Aesthetics
The focus on geometric designs, symmetry, and natural materials in Riad architecture makes it stand out as one of a kind. The center area, which has either a garden or a fountain that represents peace and purity in Islamic culture, is one of the things that makes it stand out. The rooms in a Riad are set up around an open area. There are big curved doors and windows that lead into the middle area and keep the cool air moving during the day. The Moroccan home in the Medina will have no frontage and is distinguished only by a modest door. The structure’s outer walls and the outer walls of other homes parallel each other to form the alleys and passages through the Medina. This is the basis for the most striking of contrasts and contradictions, that of the grim and oft-neglected public street and the highly ornamented, highly decorated and well-kept inner dwelling.
Within the Riad, the surfaces contain remarkable degrees of ornamentation and handcrafted arts. The smooth colored broad tadelakt surfaces offer a counterpoint to customary complex geometric tile work, called zelige, and intricately carved wooden lattice moucharabieh screens. Intricate stucco cornices and trim, called gebs, join walls and ceilings, and support beams feature another complex Moroccan handcraft, zouaq, colorful hand-painted wood. As Islamic tradition forbids the representation of living figures in decorative arts, geometric or floral forms serve as the basis for the multi-faceted designs.
Modern Riads: Boutique Hotels and Guesthouses
Many crumbling riads in popular cities like Marrakech or Essaouira have been restored into hotels and transformed into glamorous guesthouses, many of them made famous, by Instagram and the travel magazines. Many riads in Morocco have been bought up by foreign investors, renovated with unique interior design elements and turned to a premier option for travellers looking for lodging that feels akin to the lap of luxury. The style of riads has changed significantly, but the concept of the courtyard at the centre of these traditional homes has remained and still influences the design of them today.
Marrakesh's artistic riads
Plenty of the modernised riads are in Marrakesh and quite famous. Some larger riads renovated from palaces have more rooms and are more like hotels than traditional homes, Royal Mansur, for example. They still resemble riads but are much more lavish. If you want a more local experience, opt for one of the small locally run riads, which only have a handful of rooms - this way you get to know the host and have a more intimate stay.
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The Cultural Significance of Riads
Riads are very important to Moroccan culture in ways that go beyond their beauty. They stand for the family values and friendliness that are important in Morocco. In the past, they were used by extended families because they provided a place where people of different generations could live together peacefully while still allowing each person their own space. Riads were also very important to Moroccan society because they were places where people could stay and be welcomed. Guests were often treated in rooms that were tastefully designed and had a view of the courtyard, which was surrounded by flowers and fountains.
Why Stay in a Riad?
It’s not uncommon to see travellers fresh off the plane carting their suitcases through the maze of streets in the medina looking for their riad. For people looking to discover Morocco intimately, this is the way to go. Not only do visitors get to live in the historic areas of these amazing cities, but it’s also an immersive way to experience the local customs and rituals. From waking up to a traditional Moroccan breakfast to sipping tea in the courtyard after the sun goes down, and lounging on Berber rugs, plush sofas and embroidered cushions, you’ll feel like Moroccan royalty in even the more modest riads.
And you won’t have to break the bank to feel grand, some riads are more luxurious and naturally pricier, but plenty won’t cost you an arm and a leg and are equally as lavish. It doesn’t matter which one you pick, unlike cookie-cutter hotels, every riad has its distinct features, and no two are alike. Each one has its own story. Riads offer a more intimate and authentic experience compared to regular hotels. They are typically smaller, family-run, and designed to reflect traditional Moroccan homes with courtyards, ornate designs, and personalized service.
Cost Analysis of Building a Modern Riad
In my earlier post, Inspiration, Methods, and Questions for Fez, I briefly discussed riad home designs and provided a snapshot of the evolution of my current design. This post is an overview for the cost analysis of my 5 x 5m atrium centered design, specifically on the ‘trim’ items that make a riad luxurious. I will provide cost estimates and sources for what I think is needed to turn a concrete shell into a modern riad. The 5 x 5m Atrium Plan, below, is named after the size of the enclosed atrium, which forms the heart of the design. Every other aspect of the home design is based upon the size of the atrium.
The 5MV1 design is a 2-story house built of concrete (or ICF etc), with an attached garage. The interior will be a mixture of tile, plaster, and laser-etched wood. Every room is planned to have a 3.5m ceiling, with an overall house height around 11m. The exterior will be relatively plain (think Spanish home exteriors), and designed to allow for self-decoration by pre-building pedestals. The exterior material will more than likely be render or a long-lasting stucco-like material. I am planning on 40cm thick outer walls, and 20cm thick inner walls. The first floor is designed to be elaborate in comparison to the 2nd floor, and designed with hosting guests in mind. Therefore, the tile work and trim will be more elaborate on this floor.
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Here's a breakdown of some key cost considerations:
- Retractable Roof or Skylights: Initial budget for a retractable roof was $25K. Oversized, venting skylights with remote control rolladens and special glass may cost about the same.
- Zellige Tile: The traditional method is expensive compared to painted tile, but has a much better look. Moroccan Mosaic & Tile House offers a volume discount.
- Painted Tile: A less expensive version of zellige, usually 8” x 8” or 12” x 12” tiles that have painted patterns that mimic zellige mosaic.
- Ceramic Floor Tiles: Projecting $15 per square foot, depending on the size, quality, and complexity.
- Stained Concrete: The cost hovers between $12-20 per square foot, again depending on complexity.
- Laser-Etched Wood: Seeking to emulate carved wood by creating veneers, either using a traditional router or a laser router.
- Carved Plaster: Plan on using custom made molds to create panels that the builder can then install.
- Stained Glass: Purchasing stained glass from local vendors.
- Elevator: Prices range on quality, but they are much cheaper to install in new construction.
- Plunge Pool: Our current design has a 3 x 2m plunge pool, that is basically a buried concrete shell with mosaic installed.
Riad Features
An inner garden is also highly prized and courtyards are likely to feature native citrus trees, palms, and jasmine. Their fragrances add to the tranquility of the trickling waters, for a perfectly balanced and harmonious oasis of peace. Tight winding stairways, illuminated with dappled lamp lighting, are tucked into the building’s corners, leading down to hammams or up to the upper level, where private rooms are found. Roofs, conforming to the contours of the Riad, offer respite from confinement with open horizons and views over the Medina.
Smaller additions or entire corners of the building , called douiriya, are devoted to servants’ quarters and washing areas, and most importantly the kitchen. In private homes, this flat space could be turned over to storage or laundry hanging, or even keeping livestock. Invariably in the converted guest homes, the entirety of the roof is devoted to solariums, drinking & dining, and occasionally dipping pools. Amenities such as hammams, swimming pools, and modern comforts represent a necessarily modern twist to Riad life.
Conclusion
Exploring the world of Moroccan riads offers a unique glimpse into a rich cultural heritage combined with luxurious comfort. Whether you're captivated by the intricate designs, the tranquil courtyards, or the immersive experience of staying in a traditional home, riads provide an unforgettable way to experience the heart of Morocco.
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