A Place To Stay

Working with local architects and RIWAQ (a non profit organisation whose aim is the protection and development of architectural heritage in Palestine), the project was to propose a 'Place to stay' on the site of the ruined Touqan palace and its orchard in the old city of Nablus, Palestine.

Our proposal was not only looking at the restoration and conservation of the palace but also to build along the orchard wall, a visitor centre, gallery and accommodation for RIWAQ volunteers.

This intervention would engage already established local pathways and routes through the palace and orchard. Creating zones of public, semi-public and private use, the visitor centre would give new life to the forgotten palace.

Using local building skills, we proposed to construct a mostly rammed earth structure, utilising the inherit thermal benefits of thick rammed earth walls to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the year. These walls extended up beyond the roof above providing shade onto the roof itself and a place to stop and enjoy an elevated view of the orchard.