Yachar Bouhaya has been a DESA architect for two decades. A graduate of the Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture de Paris, he continued his training with the Parisian firms Anne Démians and AW2. At the end of 2010, he founded his eponymous architectural practice. With Yachar, we look back at his last three collaborations with Aït Manos: the Nono Sea Taste restaurants in Tangier, Le Cabestan and La Grande Brasserie in Casablanca.

How would you describe Yachar Bouhaya's style?

In architecture, I'd say I'm part of the Neo Moderne movement, which means architecture that serves function, devoid of ornamentation, simple without being austere.

In Interior Design, I think I'm in what's called the Transitional, timeless style, which mixes mottled or weathered elements, the warmth of oak wood with more contemporary accessories.

What were your inspirations for the Nono Sea Taste restaurant in Tangier?

As Chef Nora Larini's brief called for a marine plate, the idea was to create a setting for it without falling into pastiche. I imagined an indus-style mezzanine that set the tone, to which I added a bit of Tulum-style laid-back seaside spirit, then the selection of furniture with Chloé Marcellas did the rest.

 

How did you choose the zellige for Nono Sea Taste in Tangier? 

As you already know, I like to introduce a touch of Zellige into CHR projects. I've already worked with the Aït Manos team on the Le Cabestan and La Grande Brasserie restaurants... perhaps it's a way for me to anchor them in a geographical context.

For Nono Sea Taste, I had opted for a concrete-effect microcement mix with honey-colored touches of exotic wood, and I was convinced that green was the best answer. Initially, I was going for Forest Green, which was Aït Manos' new color, but in the end I opted for Dark Green, which gave exactly the pep I wanted. For added vibrancy, I differentiated the 5x5cm floor from the 4.5x14cm walls.

The Cabestan zellige fireplace plays a key role in this project.

Le Cabestan underwent a total renovation of the premises in 2021. Together with architect Sophia Sebti, we paid particular attention to the materials chosen to renovate the space: art deco wallpaper patterns and floral plaster ceiling details, the lower part of the wall in local black Khenifra marble against the warmth of the dark oak parquet and the floor in small porcelain stoneware hexagons.

For the fireplace area, we wanted zellige. We initially chose the Agathe color in 5x5 cm. But when we talked to Nicolas Perez, the project's promoter, he wanted something even finer. We went along with his idea to obtain the smallest possible zellige tile: 2.5x2.5 cm. 

A black cast-iron hearth, pool tile-style zellige on both sides, framed in smoked oak... the result is beautiful, but the scale changes everything.

The depth of the zellige and the pigments used mean that, depending on the time of day, the color is not the same. Take a look at the Cabestan chimney during the day, when the light and the ocean flood the area, or at sunset, and you'll see green as well as gray. It's a fascinating natural spectacle that I never tire of.

     

And you decided to keep the Agathe-colored zellige for La Grande Brasserie.

For the La Grande Brasserie project, the brief was for a chic, comfortable, warm brasserie, in keeping with the codes of authentic gourmet cuisine.

For the facade of the building, I used Cabestan's Agathe-colored zellige, but this time in sticks, Bejmat 14x4.5 cm. The zellige is framed by curved black steel and an oak moulding that acts as a connecting train.

Can you tell us about your relationship with Aït Manos?

I've been working with Aït Manos since 2016. When I first started, I visited the studio to meet the team and see how they work. The showroom gives a wider view of the colors, the multitude of formats and how to use them. 

I was able to discover the wide range of colors and the support of the Aït Manos team was important in my choices.

Today I'm more independent thanks to the Zellibox*. I work in monochrome, so I can spend more time choosing my colors and presenting the sample to my customers. There's also a tactile relationship with zellige: having the tile in my hands when it's time to make choices for a project changes everything!

* The Zellibox contains 48 pieces of cut and glazed Zellige, measuring 5x5 cm. The palette includes all the new items: shades of gray, green, blue, warm colors and the two precious 3rd firing glazes exclusive to Aït Manos: Platinum & 18-carat gold.

 

Credits: 

Yachar Bouhaya Architect

Sophia Sebti Architect

Lahcen Mellal Photography

Alessio Mei Photography

La Grande Brasserie, Casablanca

Le Cabestan, Casablanca

Le Nono Sea Taste, Tangier