Bè Doors

Custom made wooden doors inspired by Lomé's roadside eateries.            

To finish the design direction of the Adakpame Guesthouse as a place that echoes the ubiquitous gathering spaces that can be found all over Lomé’s bustling street life, the building's doors were custom-made in collaboration with carpenters.

Drawing its visual inspiration from the screens that serve as easily adjustable walls for small neighbourhood bars and eateries, these doors tie the tranquil courtyard of the Adakpame Guesthouse to the urban environment beyond its gate. It speaks to the city it sits in and thus stays in dialogue with it.
Known as being home to some of the best wood craftsmen in West Africa, Togo has a tradition of making furniture as well as carving decorative objects from local wood types. For the door frames, the diagonal wooden slants were assembled in a way and distance that allows for cool breezes to enter, yet offers enough privacy for the occupant to not feel exposed. The obligatory mosquito netting offers an additional screen that obscures views somewhat.

Though designed specifically for the building the door frames can be adapted and scaled both down for windows and up for larger gates, to become staples for architectural projects in Lomé.

Research

Credits

Type: Wooden Frame Doors
Location: Lomé, Togo
Status: Completed
Size: 2,1m x 1,4m
Start: 2009
Project End: 2023
Client: Private
Studio NEiDA Team: Jeanne Autran-Edorh (Design)
Images: Studio NEiDA holds the copyrights of all sketches and images