Modern Villa in Nigeria by Studia 54

Key features of the Nigerian project include a 500 m² inner courtyard designed for large-scale events, a dedicated SPA block, and multiple lounge areas for relaxation.

History as the Foundation of the Concept

The name Kingdom of Benin refers to one of the most influential historical states of West Africa, which existed on the territory of modern Nigeria from the late 12th century until 1897 and was renowned for its advanced culture, art, and traditions of social life. Centuries-old trade routes connecting the southern edge of the Sahara with North Africa formed a strong cultural identity — a historical context that became one of the conceptual foundations of the project.

The client, a leading regional entrepreneur deeply connected to local culture and history, wanted his home to continue the traditions of hospitality, gatherings, and social events that are integral to the local way of life. Ethnic and national motifs in architecture became a conscious and principled request, reflecting respect for heritage and a desire to preserve cultural identity within a contemporary architectural framework.

Architectural Concept

The luxury residence Kingdom of Benin balances the comfort of private living with the potential for high-profile social events. The villa’s architecture, enriched with southern aesthetics and ethnic motifs, reflects Studia 54’s signature approach to Southern residences and is designed for a wide range of lifestyle scenarios.

Key references included the studio’s projects in India and Abu Dhabi.

At the core of the concept lies respect for tradition and family privacy, which defined the clear zoning between private and public spaces. The architecture is composed in layers: from the entrance, the residence is welcomed by elegant columns, behind which light travertine façades unfold. This composition creates visual depth while protecting interiors from outside views, preserving a sense of intimacy and seclusion.

The compositional heart of the villa is the inner courtyard — a private open-air space. Carefully designed viewpoints, landscape accents, and an atmosphere of tranquility turn it into an elegant setting for relaxation and contemplation.

For this project, Studia 54 developed custom structural and architectural solutions fully aligned with the concept. Every element reflects the lifestyle of the owners: the residence remains truly private and family-oriented while maintaining strong representational character and readiness to host significant events.

Planning Layout

The layout is based on a clear functional division while maintaining a unified spatial logic. The residence consists of two blocks designed for different lifestyle scenarios — family and guest — ensuring a high level of privacy without compromising architectural integrity.

Ground Floor

The main functional areas of the ground floor are designed for everyday use. The family block is located closer to the entrance, simplifying daily logistics. A subterranean garage for 12 vehicles ensures convenient access routes without interfering with residential spaces.

Within the family block, private and work areas are clearly separated. The office and formal living room have a separate street entrance, allowing business meetings without intersecting with family life.

The guest block is designed to accommodate up to 80 people and includes a central space with a bar area, a dining table for 12 guests, an open chef’s kitchen, and a separate service kitchen for events.

The SPA zone is housed in an autonomous block and includes a swimming pool, gym, and covered terrace. Fully isolated from the rest of the site, it can be transformed into an open space via sliding systems without sacrificing climate comfort.

Second Floor

The second floor of the main house contains two children’s bedrooms with panoramic corner windows, a guest bedroom, and the owners’ master suite with separate his & hers areas oriented toward the best views of the site.

Two elevated galleries connect the blocks: one leads to the guest wing, the other links the master suite to an open terrace. These elements ensure functional continuity while reinforcing the concept of separation without isolation.

The Inner Courtyard as a Stage for Grand Events

The inner courtyard became the key venue for hosting guests. Studia 54’s landscape designers selected several plant and tree species seamlessly integrated into the architectural concept, while architects designed intuitive circulation routes allowing guests to move through the courtyard along scenic paths.

The space is enhanced by lighting installations created by the studio’s designers and placed within lounge zones, forming the atmosphere of an intimate social event.

The total area of the transformable open space is 500 m² — sufficient for hosting private outdoor events for 20–25 guests. Mobile “chessboard” tables, comfortable lounge areas, and a dedicated outdoor cinema zone were предусмотрены. The inspiration for this scenario came from a Studia 54 villa project in Abu Dhabi, selected by the client as a reference.

Given the region’s hot climate, special attention was paid to water features. In addition to the SPA zone and swimming pool, fountains and water pathways were introduced to create a sense of coolness. The final accents are ethnic art objects and installations that reinforce the architectural code of the project and strengthen its cultural identity.