Fez – Former US Ambassador to Morocco David Fischer’s affection for the kingdom’s rich aesthetic certainly has not yet faded. About a year after his mandate’s end in Morocco, Fischer is building a Moorish-styled house aspiring to depict the most highlighted aspects of Moroccan architecture.
The Palm Beach Architectural Commission, which approves the construction of new houses, has given the green light to the Fisher couple’s new residential project of a Moorish-styled house. The decision was unanimous following the commission’s recently held meeting, Palm Beach Post indicated.
Located across from their main residence, the guesthouse, which has all the characteristics of a small, typically Moroccan palace, will be built by architect Leslie Pearce of Smith Architectural Group in Palm Beach.
Built on the same site of a 1940s-era house acquired by the Fishers last June, the new guesthome will cover an area of nearly 540 square meters on a lot of about 1400 square meters.
The guesthome’s plan indicates that it will be composed of three bedrooms, standing out with its sand-colored facade, arches, and finely chiseled wood panels. Recognizably Moroccan green tiles adorn the roof where an architectural touch inspired by the shape of a minaret will be used as a fireplace.
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The future house’s main gates are styled in one of the most distinctive elements of Moorish architecture, the horseshoe arch with a rounded top that slightly bends inward at the side. The floor’s decorative tile work is in black and white themed mosaic squares.
The house’s backyard will feature a riad-styled garden with a mosaic fountain in the back end of the pool. The pool will be surrounded by lush greenery, making it similar to Morocco’s fine riads pools.
The most highlighted aspect of this Moorish-styled house will be a water feature that will run along the facade, including a star-shaped fountain and a Banyan tree at its center.
Despite staying in Morocco for only one year, between January 2020 and January 2021, Fischer developed a great affection for the country’s rich traditions and particular lifestyle. Earlier this year, he revealed his intentions of buying a house in the city of Dakhla, in southern Morocco.
This new construction illustrates the impact Morocco has left on the former US Ambassador who chose to cement a vestige of the period he spent in the country.
