Benin Guest House

The Benin Guest House is a component of an artist support ecosystem in Benin, Nigeria, designed to provide a restful sanctuary for visiting artists, researchers and enthusiasts to stay, reflect, and find inspiration. Unlike a new build, this project involved adapting and renovating an existing house, demonstrating how we can breathe new life into older structures through thoughtful, climate-conscious intervention. The goal was to transform a standard residential form into a space that reflects the creative energy of the community while maintaining a sense of domestic comfort.

Following the principles of tropical architecture, the renovation focused on maximizing the original shell to accommodate more people while ensuring that airflow and light were not lacking. The accommodations have a connection to the outdoors via the most significant update – the addition of deep, shaded verandas  that help the rooms stay cool without relying entirely on air conditioning while a central lounge space opens to the sky via a vented skylight. It’s a design that respects the history of the site while creating a space that feels grounded and unpretentious—a true home away from home.