The earthquake-resistant house designed by Aziza Chaouni has been awarded the Social Engagement Prize at this year's Ammodo Architecture Award. The architect, who works between Morocco and Canada, was honored for her prototype developed in Talat N'Yaacoub in the Al-Haouz province (Marrakech–Safi), one of the areas hardest hit by the September 8, 2023 earthquake. According to Ammodo Architecture, the project was recognized for «its architectural response that is both modest and relevant, addressing the urgent housing challenges in a seismic region». Rather than imposing external models, the design «emphasizes local materials, skills, and culture», they explained. Its use of compressed earth bricks (CEB), engineered to withstand earthquakes, demonstrates how innovation can emerge «from the ground up, combining resilience, sustainability, and cultural continuity». The prototype reinterprets the traditional courtyard house of the Haouz region, known for its deep connection to the landscape and its social and climatic intelligence. While preserving this typology, the project integrates key seismic improvements through reinforced concrete blocks. The layout includes three distinct courtyards: one for reception and relaxation, one for the kitchen, and another for services such as laundry, small animal husbandry, and gardening. The jury praised the project's thoughtful spatial organization, which promotes social interaction and microclimatic comfort «while ensuring shade and ventilation». Announcing the award, Aziza Chaouni expressed her gratitude, noting that she will use the prize money to «complete one of the classrooms of the Maison des Etoiles in Haouz for the NGO Association Amal Biladi». The Maison des Etoiles is «a center open to children and young people from two villages affected by the 2023 earthquake». It provides after-school support, study spaces, gardens, a playground, and training in eco-construction and xeriscaping.
