Near Cairo, an architect’s house worthy of an oriental palace

The impressive indoor swimming pool. Moreover, built taking into account this Gilles Ballini painting, also serves as a dining room. Moreover, On each side, the windows open on lush gardens.

Felix Speller

A place inspired by the pharaonic temples – Near cairo, architect's house worthy

From the entrance. Furthermore, the guests are greeted by a double height atrium, dressed in marble and bathed in sun thanks to the light well; Washingtonia palm trees are around in near cairo, architect’s house worthy its center. Moreover, Here, the ladder of the house is clearly felt. In addition, It impresses with its impeccable execution and the natural way in which it links the different spaces. Moreover, From this atrium, a rectangular room houses the indoor swimming pool, where windows open to reveal lush gardens. Consequently, On the right are linked the living spaces, the architect’s bedroom, as well as other bedrooms upstairs. Moreover, “We love the pharaonic temples”he explains about the size of the spaces. Furthermore, going from the largest to the smallest as we venture inside.

In the room reserved on TV. a ceiling decorated by the family with old doors and a local stone fireplace in Hashmi. On extra tables designed by Tarek Shamma, busts of the architect’s grandmother made by Mahmoud Mokhtar.

Felix Speller

“We like to be surrounded by objects”

“What is important here is this idea of progression and movement. It is not a question of being ostentatious, but of favoring volume and light rather than multiplying materials and ornaments. »» Contrasting with minimalist architecture. the more generous interiors are garnished with old furniture, Chinese chests of the 17th century, 19th century near cairo, architect’s house worthy English sofas, modern Arab works of art and tapestries, which contribute to the intimacy and the conviviality of the place. “I think it’s typical of the Middle East,” says Tarek Shamma, laughing. We like to be surrounded by objects. We are unable to settle for a pot, a sculpture or a painting. »»

In the bathroom, a wooden sculpture signed Mahmoud El Dewihi.

Felix Speller

In the room of Tarek Shamma. a floor lamp that he drew, ancient Turkish chests and an old Kerman carpet (Ubuntu Art Gallery).

Felix Speller

To give personality to the house. the family decorated it with objects from their many trips and older pieces that belonged to near cairo, architect’s house worthy different members. “We have never considered an object as an trophy. My grandfather, for example, had an affinity for old doors. We found them on site, restored them, supervised and installed everywhererecalls the architect. It is important that everything in the house is Egyptian because we are proud to be. But we are also lucky to have traveled a lot and to be open to the world. The house therefore tells this story. »»

In the dining patio-room, the tables were decorated with the flowers of the garden bougainvilliers.

Felix Speller

The lush garden -. its mangoes

The building is located on an old mango plantation that the family has decided to preserve, keeping most intact trees: “We have so many mangoes that we offer them!” We also make cans. The same goes for other fruits that grow on these vast land, such as dates. »» And if Tarek Shamma naturally likes to receive – “It’s almost a family hobby” -. the abundance of places is suitable, between the palm leaves or the flowers of frangipanier and bougainvillier which are used to decorate the tables. The garden was the pride of his mother.