for those who’s only option in a lockdown world is to close their eyes and find that happy place london design firm child studio and sustainable british skincare brand plenaire have created a lockdown project alternative: a virtual world imaginary hideaway casa plenaire.
meaning ‘in the open air’, plenaire puts an emphasis on emotional wellbeing and self-care. ‘casa plenaire is designed to evoke the memories of a perfect holiday’ – commented che huang and alexy kos, the founders of child studio. “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.”
the design brief — using 3D rendering software, 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.
studio child and plenaire were working on the brand’s forthcoming london showroom interiors before everything went into lockdown. as the real world began to shutdown they conceived a fanciful world which would be shared on instagram. brilliant and appreciative of a virtual recess.
