Meet our amazing guests, Mathilde and Zakaria

by Lucia Michel

A couple arrives with their two sons for 10 days of surf holidays at Olo. Already after two days, Amine tells me about a talk with Zakaria where he explained he is a consultant for the environment and energy, and he would like to give us advice on how to improve our houses for a more sustainable concept. Zakaria studied construction engineering and works for several green tourism labels as a consultant and auditor.

Would you believe there is a guest, who doesn’t personally know us and who wants to spend the time of his holiday to work on professional expertise without asking to be paid?

 So, we met with him and showed him small issues in the existing buildings and the plans for our new house that should be ready next year.

In one week, he worked on a 3D plan of this new house, thinking of how to use construction tricks for natural ventilation, how to prevent the yoga room on the roof from overheating, how to use natural light in the staircase, and so much more… He gave us advice on how to solve existing problems, which materials to use and he wants to help us find the right contacts of construction companies. In a few meetings and talks with Zakaria, we learned a lot and it brought up questions and ideas we didn’t even know we could have.

This was already great but it’s not all yet...

 Mathilde, Zakaria's wife launched ZINA Cosmetik 1.5 years ago, a brand for natural cosmetics, soaps, and shampoo. Everything is produced in a laboratory in Casablanca, with almost only Moroccan ingredients. This is good news as well, as it is not easy yet to find all-natural cosmetic products from Morocco. You can find ZINA Cosmetik products in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Essaouira. They even export to France and Belgium. You should have a look here.

What a couple! And what a perfect timing – the moment when we decide to be really serious about sustainable structures at Olo they arrive and Zakaria does his very helpful offer. We are so grateful!