Renovating a riad in the Marrakech medina needs an architect who understands both traditional building techniques and the constraints of an old structure. Rammed-earth or solid-brick walls, cedar-wood floors, the central courtyard and the roof terraces: every element has to be surveyed before it is kept, reinforced or replaced.
MORE Z Architects supports owners, Moroccan or from abroad, from the feasibility study to handover. We design the project, prepare the permit applications, coordinate the craftsmen and supervise the works on site, so the renovation respects the soul of the riad, your budget and your schedule.
Whether you want a family home, a guest house or a small boutique hotel, we adapt the layout, comfort and services to how the riad will be used, without erasing its character.
1. Riad survey before you buy or build
Before any purchase or works, we survey the building: condition of the walls and floors, damp, roofs and terraces, existing water and electrical networks, and the boundaries with neighbouring houses. This survey shows the real cost of the renovation and avoids surprises once the works have started.
2. Permits and medina rules
Works in the Marrakech medina are regulated: facades, heights, materials and the use of the building follow specific rules. We prepare the plans and the files required by the municipality and the relevant planning departments, and follow them until the permits are granted.
3. Restoring traditional craftsmanship
Tadelakt, zellige, bejmat floors, carved plaster and painted cedar wood make a riad unique. We decide with you what should be restored, what should be recreated and where contemporary materials make sense, and we work with craftsmen who master these techniques.
4. Modern comfort and upgrades
We bring the riad up to modern standards while keeping its spirit: new electrical and plumbing networks, waterproofing and insulation of the terraces, discreet heating and cooling, contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, and a plunge pool in the courtyard when the structure allows it.
5. Guest house and boutique hotel conversions
Turning a riad into a guest house or boutique hotel changes the brief: number of rooms, circulation, fire safety, staff areas and guest comfort. Our experience in hospitality architecture helps you design a riad that is pleasant to stay in and efficient to run.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a riad renovation in Marrakech cost?
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It depends on the condition of the building, its size, the level of finish and the programme (home or guest house). A survey before the works gives you a reliable estimate before you commit.
Do I need a permit to renovate a riad in the medina?
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Most works affecting the structure, the facade or the layout require an authorisation. We prepare the file and handle the process for you.
Can you supervise the works if I live abroad?
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Yes. We supervise the site in Marrakech and send you regular reports with photos, so you can follow the renovation from anywhere.
How long does a riad renovation take?
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From a few months for a light renovation to more than a year for a full restoration. We set the schedule after the survey.
Can you convert a riad into a guest house?
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Yes. We redesign the layout, rooms and services for hospitality use and coordinate the authorisations needed to operate.