Yachar Bouhaya has been an architect for the past two decades.
He graduated from the École Spéciale d’Architecture de Paris and continued his training at the Paris-
based firms Anne Démians and AW2.
In late 2010, he founded the eponymous architecture firm.
Together with Yachar, we take a look back at his last three collaborations with Aït Manos: the
restaurants Nono Sea Taste in Tangier, and Le Cabestan and La Grande Brasserie in Casablanca.
In Architecture, I would say that I fit into the Neo Modern style, which implies an architecture that
focuses on functionality, devoid of ornamentation, that is simple without being stark.
In Interior Design, I believe my style is what is referred to as Transitional, timeless, blending mottled
or patinated pieces, the warmth of oak wood with more contemporary accessories.
What were your inspirations for the Nono Sea Taste restaurant in Tangier?
As requested by the Chef Nora Larini, it was a nautical plate, so the idea was to create a setting for it
without falling into any clichés. I imagined an industrial-style mezzanine that set the tone, to which I
added a bit of a laid-back Tulum-style seaside vibe, and then the selection of furniture with Chloe
Marcellas took care of the rest.
How did you choose the zellige for Nono Sea Taste of Tangier?
As you already know, I always like to add a touch of Zellige to hospitality projects. I have already
collaborated with the Aït Manos team for the restaurants Le Cabestan and La Grande Brasserie...
perhaps it’s a way for me to anchor them into a geographical context.
As you already know, I always like to add a touch of Zellige to hospitality projects. I have already
collaborated with the Aït Manos team for the restaurants Le Cabestan and La Grande Brasserie...
perhaps it’s a way for me to anchor them into a geographical context.
For Nono Sea Taste, I chose a mixture of concrete-effect micro-cement with touches of exotic wood,
in a honey shade. I was convinced that green was the best option. Initially, I was going to go for
Forest Green, which was the new color introduced by Aït Manos, but in the end, I decided to go for
Dark Green, which gave the exact pizzazz I was looking for. For an even greater impact, I opted for
different tile sizes for the floor (5x5 cm) and the walls (4.5x14cm).
The zellige fireplace of the Cabestan has a special place in this project, tell us all about it
The Cabestan was completely remodeled in 2021. With the architect Sophia Sebti, we paid special
attention to the materials chosen to renovate this space: art deco wallpaper patterns and floral
plaster ceiling details, the lower part of the wall in local black Khenifra marble in contrast to the
warmth of the dark oak wooden floors, and the small hexagonal porcelain stoneware flooring.
For the fireplace area, we wanted to use zellige. We first chose the Agathe color in 5x5 cm. But when
we discussed it with Nicolas Perez, the project’s developer, he conveyed that he wanted something
even more delicate. We went along with his idea to get the smallest zellige tile available: a 2.5x2.5
cm.
A black cast iron fireplace, zellige like swimming pool tiles on both sides bordered by smoked oak...
the result is very beautiful, the scale truly makes a difference.
The depth of the zellige, the pigments make that according to the time of the day, the color is not the same. Look at the chimney of the Cabestan during the day, when the light and the ocean flood the place or at sunset, you can have green as well as gray. It's a fascinating natural spectacle that I never tire of.
And you wanted to keep the Agathe color zellige for La Grande Brasserie
For the Grande Brasserie project, the brief was a chic, comfortable, warm brasserie, in keeping with
the codes of a gourmet and authentic cuisine.
For the facade, I used the Agathe color zellige just like at the Cabestan but here it was laid in sticks,
Bejmat 14x4,5 cm. The zellige is framed with black steel and an oak molding to connect the two.
Tell us about your relationship with Aït Manos?
I have been working with Aït Manos since 2016. At first, I went to the studio to meet the team and
take a look at how they work. The showroom gives a better idea of the colors, the different formats
and how they can be used.
I was able to discover the wide range of colors and the Aït Manos team’s support was instrumental in
helping me make choices.
Today I am more autonomous thanks to the Zellibox*. I can spend time choosing my colors and I can
show the samples to my customers. There is also a tactile relationship with zellige: having the tile in
my hands when it is time to make choices for a project makes a world of difference!
* The Zellibox contains 48 pieces of cut and glazed Zellige, size 5x5 cm. The palette contains all the new colors: shades of gray, green, blue, warm colors and the two 3rd firing precious glazes, Aït Manos exclusives: Platinum & 18-carat Gold.
Credits:
Yachar Bouhaya Architect
Sophia Sebti Architect
Lahcen Mellal Photography
Alessio Mei Photography
La Grande Brasserie, Casablanca
The Cabestan, Casablanca
The Nono Sea Taste, Tangier