CASA PLENAIRE || A Hideaway to Evoke the Memories of a Perfect Holiday
The unique times we are in has kept us indoors for a much larger portion of our daily hours than what we are used to.
Many miss their morning commute, which has resulted in a lack of regular, daily exercise, and are near their wit’s end being confined within a space they called home for a span of not weeks, but months. How do we continue to nurture our minds and stay mentally strong and healthy during such challenging times?
The power of art and culture cannot be underestimated, as it has the ability to allow us to escape through our imagination. This is why we are fascinated with Casa Plenaire by Child Studio in collaboration with Plenaire. The team has created a much-needed imaginary hideaway as travel restrictions continue to keep us at home.
We definitely wouldn’t mind spending our midday break dreaming about setting off for this private hideout, where the sun is high, gentle waves lap against the shore, and a wide window ledge allows for plenty of room to suntan.
The perfect midday shadows are cast from the wide window
A basket of fruits sits beside an unfinished read
Child Studio has designed an imaginary secluded seaside house named ‘Casa Plenaire’, a fantasy summer hideaway for quiet contemplation. Conceived as a collaboration with the sustainable British skincare brand ‘Plenaire’, the project plays with the ideas of wellness, escapism, and connection with nature. A series of cinematic images depict the dreamy sunlit rooms, presenting a lifestyle centered around wellbeing and self-care.
The collage-like environment balances a sense of realism and playful illusion. The undulating architecture flows freely from indoor to outdoor, taking cues from the archetypal villas of Balearic islands and Santorini houses, as well as the experimental modernist architecture of Eero Saarinen.
Sculptural interiors follow the daily rituals of a 'Plenaire girl', within the subtly defined zones of the lounge, terrace, bedroom and the sculptural circular pool. The house is furnished with iconic mid-century pieces by Pierre Paulin, Eero Aarnio, and Greta von Nessen, complemented with a quirky mix of nostalgic memorabilia, such as pottery, exotic seashells, books, and flowers. The meditative atmosphere is reflected in the muted sandy palette, set against the dazzling blue sky.
A perfectly placed skylight shines upon the indoor bath
“The concept was born in response to the current uncertain times, where we find ourselves confined to our homes. We dream about far-away destinations, constructing stories from the personal collection of memories and desires”
A wide window ledge for lazy afternoons spent suntanning
“Meaning ‘in the open air’, Plenaire puts emphasis on emotional wellbeing. We were interested to explore how architects and designers can collaborate with like-minded brands beyond the limits of the physical world. Casa Plenaire is an attempt to present our shared inspiration, values, and vision.”
This imaginary hideaway perfectly depicts the natural scenes of a sunny getaway by presenting a ‘lived-in’ setting. Hats are hung a little lop-sided, as if someone had casually thrown it at the hook, a basket of fruits is left on the floor to satisfy sudden snacking needs, and an unfinished book is turned over on the floor to keep it open to the latest page read - because who needs a bookmark anyway?
A ‘light leak’ detail in this illustration hints at the welcomed heat of the sun in this imaginary seaside home
Photos courtesy of Child Studio
