One

Situated along the coastal line of Dakar, the One drew a strong conceptual connection with its surrounding environment. The outstretched coast lies meters away from the dusty site lined with iconic dark granite stone. The design methodology is comparable to metamorphism, the process a precious stone undergoes during its lifetime. The natural phenomenon sculpts the stone during metamorphism to express its value and beauty. Four strategic principles were developed following the notion of; a consideration of the site topography, a singular cut, the displacement of two masses, and the carving of the facades. Site Topography The site is surrounded by a busy upper main road, a neighbouring apartment block and a winding road that leads to the adjacent residences. The building footprint was maximised by accommodating ten luxury apartments, a boutique deli, and wellness facilities. Singular Building Cut A large irregular cut was introduced to accentuate the arrival experience, creating a clean visual connection to the ocean view. The reception and welcome area are located in the cave-like volume, encapsulating a pause moment upon arrival. Furthermore, the cave aesthetic is raw and sculptured with a variation in material to the exterior, emphasising its beauty. East & West Wing Displacement The building masses were displaced in response to climatic elements. The East facing mass shifted up and the West facing mass shifted towards the views to the ocean. Each wing of the building is arranged around a service core with private entrances from the central lift. The apartments are entirely independent of one another as the units are set back inside the building with a private sea-facing terrace. Façade Carvings & Punctures A series of various carvings to the mass was introduced to the facades to improve natural light into the apartments whilst maintaining a certain level of privacy from the upper main road. Due to the noise pollution and limited views, the services have been organised to the North-side of the building with discreet openings punctured for natural light and ventilation. The East and West facing bedrooms have marginally larger openings to the exterior. As for the South facing bedrooms, dining, and living spaces, the façade is open to the ocean views.