Lagoon Villa is an incredible modernist retreat designed by SAOTA with interior design by Claude Missir, located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Situated at the point where Abidjan’s vibrant cityscape meets the tranquil waters of the Ébrié Lagoon, Lagoon Villa stands as an example of architecture in harmony with its environment.
The villa pays homage to Abidjan’s modernist architectural tradition, whilst being thoughtfully adapted to the demands of contemporary living and the distinct characteristics of its site. Lagoon Villa is more than a family home; it is positioned on the waterfront, creating a seamless dialogue between its structure and the natural surroundings, effectively erasing the traditional boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Above: A roof of exposed concrete beams and skylights gently filters sunlight, creating a dappled forest-like quality within.
The design was heavily influenced by the client’s desire to enhance the home’s connection to the lagoon and its surrounding environment. Among its most distinctive features is the permeable roof, composed of concrete beams and skylights that allow natural light to sift through, mimicking the effect of sunlight filtering through tree leaves.
Above: Positioned on the lagoon’s edge, the villa establishes a fluid connection with its setting, dissolving boundaries between interior and exterior.
This architectural feature, combined with the villa’s tiered courtyards, effectively softens the distinction between the villa’s interior and the outdoors, underscoring SAOTA’s commitment to integrating the landscape into their designs. Its setting in a park-like garden reinforces this integration.
Above: Layered transitional spaces mediate light, privacy, and airflow — enhancing comfort while drawing the landscape inward.
In response to the tropical climate of West Africa, SAOTA’s architectural design incorporates substantial overhangs that provide ample shade and broad sliding doors that merge indoor spaces with the outdoors, inviting the natural landscape into the living areas. This openness is carefully balanced with cooler, shaded interiors that offer a respite from the tropical heat while maintaining a connection with the outdoors.
Above: Deep overhangs and expansive sliding doors support passive cooling and enable continuous living between indoors and out.
The villa’s cleverly crafted transitional spaces are designed to blur the distinctions between indoors and outdoors, offering protection from and engagement with the natural element. These features are not only aesthetically appealing but also promote environmental sustainability. The design of the villa fosters natural ventilation, minimising the reliance on artificial cooling, and the strategic utilisation of natural lighting enhances the warmth and ambiance of the living spaces.
Above: Flamed granite, glass, and exposed concrete combine to give the architecture a grounded, tactile permanence.
Claude Missir, overseeing the interior design, has infused the spaces with a refined practicality and a distinctive soulfulness, evident throughout Lagoon Villa. The synergistic collaboration between SAOTA’s architecture and Missir’s interior design results in a residence that feels exceptionally cohesive and harmonious, where every detail and element work together.
Above: An outdoor pool, framed by native planting, offers respite from the heat and a place of retreat.
Missir says of the interiors: “The indoor colours were taken from the surrounding landscape, so it feels as if the inside and outside merged in a natural way. When you open yourself to new challenges and ideas, daring colours, forms and materials then the outcome will often surprise you!”
Above: A layered roof and sculpted overhangs animate the façade, while timber and concrete elements frame views of the landscape.
The choice of materials like exposed concrete, flamed granite, and glass offers durability and aligns with the understated elegance typical of SAOTA’s projects.
As a longstanding hub of architectural innovation, Abidjan continues to nurture a legacy of modernism. Lagoon Villa embodies this spirit, balancing modernism’s crisp lines and bold forms with a profound respect for the natural surroundings.
Above: Stepped courtyards soften the building’s edge and dissolve the threshold between built form and natural ground plane.
Through Lagoon Villa, SAOTA and Claude Missir have crafted a modernist retreat that gracefully connects with nature, family, and the vibrant urban life of Abidjan.
Above: A sculptural chandelier hovers above a reflecting pool, amplifying the villa’s openness and serene spatial atmosphere.
What We Love About This Home
Standing in harmony with its tropical surroundings, this modernist retreat offers a family a luxurious waterfront escape. This home offers a fabulous indoor–outdoor connection thanks to substantial overhangs, broad sliding glass doors, and cleverly crafted transitional spaces that blur the boundaries between inside and out. We love how SAOTA’s permeable roof design, composed of concrete beams and skylights, filters natural light in a way that mimics sunlight through tree leaves, creating a dynamic and ever-changing ambiance.
Tell Us: What are your thoughts on the design of this waterfront villa? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of our favorite home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this project, SAOTA: Step inside this absolutely stunning Saint Tropez summer getaway and Striking hillside home overlooking the white sandy beaches of South Africa.
Above: Claude Missir’s interiors balance precision with expressiveness, responding to the shifting qualities of light and terrain.
Above: A transitional gallery draws nature inside, with floating planes and diffused light creating a contemplative spatial rhythm.
Above: Missir’s signature lighting appears in a chandelier suspended above.
Above: This living space exemplifies seamless spatial flow, where interiors extend directly into the surrounding landscape.
Above: A curved velvet sofa, evocative of Pierre Paulin, anchors a space shaped by bold artwork and sculptural expression.
Above: Playful sculptural forms and vivid colours reflect Claude Missir’s expressive language, seen here in a bold wall piece that anchors the living space.
Above: A geometric dining table with coloured inlays sits alongside a lush internal courtyard.
Above: A stunning modern kitchen featuring black cabinetry, marble countertops, and a spacious island perfect for entertaining.
Above: The children’s bedroom features oversized wall graphics and playful furnishings, combining vibrant forms with generous views over the lagoon.
Above: The main bedroom opens to layered lagoon views; a restrained palette is warmed by an expressive painting and soft textures.
PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Letch
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