Concrete Abode: A Home Imbued with Texture, Recollections, and Regional Identity - Capsule Retreat
In the heart of Mount Lebanon, Lebanon, a unique collaboration between Iraqi artist and sculptor Dia Azzawi and design practice East Architecture Studio has given birth to a remarkable residential project — Capsule Retreat.
The brief for Capsule Retreat was simple yet profound: architecture should emerge from the landscape, not dominate it. This philosophy is beautifully embodied in the building's design, which seamlessly blends with the surrounding rural environment.
At the heart of Capsule Retreat's architecture is a bespoke roof design by Azzawi. This subtle yet significant feature not only adds a contemporary artistic layer to the building but also cleverly hides mechanical equipment, ensuring the structure's harmony with its surroundings.
Local carpenters and stone masons from the village played a crucial role in the construction of Capsule Retreat. Their involvement lends a unique character to the project, reflecting the local craftsmanship and traditions.
East Architecture Studio, founded by Charles Kettaneh and Nicolas Fayad, is renowned for structures that connect with their surroundings and feel contemporary. Capsule Retreat is no exception, with its focus on minimalism and texture, making it one of the studio's most distilled projects.
The interior design of Capsule Retreat aims to evoke stillness, calm, and monastic clarity, while also providing a warm and grounded atmosphere. The use of concrete and stainless steel creates a space that feels at once grounded and experimental.
The materiality of Capsule Retreat was explored in all its forms, from smooth, textured, waterwashed concrete to various aggregate colours and sand mixes. Stainless steel is prominently featured in the interiors, adding a modern touch.
Capsule Retreat was designed specifically for the owner and the particular site, with the intention of creating a singular and unique home. The openness of the plan, controlled palette, and emphasis on elemental forms create a sense of spatial comfort and quietness.
In addition to the roof design, Azzawi contributed to the project by crafting an outdoor pizza oven and dining table, further enhancing the artistic appeal of Capsule Retreat. However, the artist responsible for these furnishings remains undisclosed.
Capsule Retreat is more than just a residential project; it is a confluence of art and architecture that emerged from a holistic approach, blending disciplines and layers in its design. It serves as an art piece itself, designed to accommodate the owner's extensive art collection.
As East Architecture Studio's latest project, Capsule Retreat stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the fusion of art and architecture in creating unique and meaningful spaces.
