Aerys Village by Atelier Kalm: A Bioclimatic Sanctuary in Senegal’s Somone Lagoon

Nestled along the untouched banks of the Somone Lagoon in Senegal’s Thiès region, Aerys Village by Atelier Kalm is a masterful expression of bioclimatic design, cultural sensitivity, and ecological stewardship. Completed in 2022, this 8,000-square-meter residential project reinvents the traditional Senegalese village through a modern architectural lens—blending innovation with deep respect for the natural environment and local heritage.

A Living Reserve of Biodiversity

Originally preserved since 1987, the Aerys Village site remains a peaceful, protected haven. The design philosophy stemmed from an aspiration to build in harmony with the existing Prosopis forest. Rather than displacing nature, the architects embraced it—adding over a hundred trees of various species to cultivate a biodiversity reserve. This approach makes Aerys Village not just a housing development, but a thriving ecological sanctuary.

Clustered Villas in Dialogue with Nature

The project is composed of eight individual villas, each occupying approximately 1,000 square meters of land. The layout reflects the fragmented, yet interconnected rhythm of traditional rural settlements. Designed as modern interpretations of Senegalese huts, the villas are positioned to promote privacy, airflow, and constant interaction with the landscape.

Each villa features:

• Four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
• A traditional kitchen and a separate family kitchen
• A central living room with guest toilet
• Ample storage and technical areas
• A private swimming pool
• Expansive terraces for indoor-outdoor living

This spatial configuration fosters family-oriented living while embracing climatic responsiveness and contextual aesthetics.

Climate-Conscious Design Strategies

Aerys Village is a benchmark for sustainable architecture in West Africa. The bioclimatic design incorporates:

• Pergolas and strategically planted trees for natural shading
• Cross-ventilation via large window openings to cool interiors
• A dual air circulation system, including roof-level ventilation for night-time airflow and material longevity

This passive design approach significantly reduces reliance on mechanical cooling, promoting year-round comfort and energy efficiency.

Materiality Rooted in Place

One of the most defining features of Aerys Village is its commitment to local, low-impact materials:

• Mud-brick walls provide natural insulation and thermal inertia
• Lateritic stone, sourced from the site, is used for cladding and pool decoration
• Toglou walls enclose the property using local construction techniques
• Outdoor terrace floors are finished with crushed shell cladding, adding textural richness and coastal connection

All finishes are crafted using traditional Senegalese craftsmanship, giving the project authenticity and supporting the regional building economy.

Aerys Village is not just a real estate development—it’s a vision of architecture as a regenerative, community-centered, and climate-sensitive force. Atelier Kalm’s thoughtful design offers a replicable model for future-oriented housing in ecologically delicate and culturally rich environments.

All Photographs are works of Angela Sorbaioli​