client. Private

location. Ouidah, Bénin

category. Hospitality

The guesthouse extends lengthwise along the narrow plot, giving each room an unobstructed view of the Portuguese Fort in Ouidah and capturing the prevailing south-westerly winds for natural ventilation.

The ground floor accommodates a central lobby opening onto a planted courtyard that provides access to 12 rooms, including two junior suites and one main suite. Three shops on the south façade bring activity to the street. At second-floor level, a rooftop bar offers a convivial setting with panoramic views.

The main entrance leads to the lobby, the hub of circulation, complemented by a secondary staircase reserved for staff. Routes for guests, visitors and services are clearly separated. Three rooms are adapted for people with reduced mobility.

The bioclimatic layout optimises cross-ventilation and natural light. Louvred shutters and openwork screens filter the light while preserving privacy. A lightweight roof and a generous projecting canopy limit overheating and improve thermal comfort.

The materials reinterpret Ouidah’s vernacular and Afro-Brazilian architecture: red ochre render, natural textures, timber and local finishes create a warm, enduring identity rooted in the site’s heritage.