Vienna Outdoor Planter

Suspended in time

Nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, known to Berbers as Idraren Draren, the Mountains of the Mountains, Villa E seems to rise from the landscape like a solid form protruding dramatically from the rust-red earth.

Here, architects Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty of Studio KO combine Western minimalist architecture with Eastern building techniques and earthy textures in a house devoid of trends and styles. In fact, the duo avoid the word ‘style’ and instead describe their work as an attitude. Respecting the landscape, culture and history of the site, they observe, listen and try to understand the context before they act. Since architecture inevitably leaves a mark on the landscape, how it is made is very important to Studio KO.

Just as ancient mountain ranges are shaped by erosion over time, Villa E bears the mark of time. It is a true work of craftsmanship and patience to collect each locally sourced Oika stone, cut it before transporting it by donkey to the site and then setting it in place. This is where we feel our strongest affinity with the project – Domani’s pots and planters, like Villa E, proudly display the passage of the hands that built it.