Banque Marocaine du Commerce Exterieur’s (BMCE)

One of several branches built using a modular approach to construction that allows variations in colour and scale according to each bank’s location.

The energy efficient building envelope is comprised of a series of bays repeated on a grid. The bays are enclosed by glazed panels and shaded by 200mm-deep screens made from low-iron steel, further minimising solar gain whilst also increasing security.

The concrete frame structure is crowned by a hemispherical dome, which extends down into the main body of the building and morphs fluidly into a seating area. The interior of the dome is rendered in tadelakt, a local plaster technique, whilst the outside is clad in traditional ceramic tiles.

The environmental strategy is also evident in the use of an 'earth tube', an electricity-free cooling system which draws in fresh air, cools it subterraneously and then releases it into the building.