Riad Mena by Richard Powers

Riad Mena

Pictures Richard Powers

Words Dominic Brabury

Not available in Italy

Sitting on the edge of the medina in bustling Marrakech, Riad Mena is an escapist haven. Stepping through the doorway of the house and into its central courtyard, planted with orange tress and bamboo, it’s easy to completely forget about the bustling city beyond. This is the home of Anglo-European art collector Philomena Schurer Merckoll, who has reinvented the traditional riad with the help of French designer Romain Michel-Meniere, whose office is based in Marrakech.

Schurer Merckoll and Meniere have combined the traditional layout and characterful fabric of the building with contemporary elements, such as the modern bathrooms and kitchen, while also blending Moroccan style with mid-century classics and contemporary European designs. A soothing colour scheme of whites and greys provides a calm backdrop for a unique combination of elements, while bringing fresh vitality to a historic home, rich in Moroccan detailing and charm, where every living space and terraces connects with the green courtyard at the heart of the building.