Tag Archives: retreat

This Off-Grid Desert Retreat Is Eco-Conscious & The Perfect Secluded Escape

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Designed by the LA-based multidisciplinary architect Malek Alqadi, the Folly Mojave is a 200-acre wilderness retreat nestled at the intersection of the Mojave National Preserve and the Joshua Tree National Park. The Folly Mojave is a stunning off-grid home that draws inspiration from the region’s earthy hues and rocky textures. The Martian-esque terrain also inspired the home, allowing it to be a bold architectural statement. The Folly Mojave is one of the latest additions to Folly’s secluded stays.

Designer: Malek Alqadi

“Folly Mojave acts as a nature-derived, divine space, welcoming guests seeking wellness, healing, and self-reflection,” says Alqadi. The property includes three standalone properties which function as suites. The suites represent the four elements of nature, and they seamlessly vanish into the landscape during the day. The Water Suite perfectly merges indoor and outdoor realms and is equipped with a lovely bed, a well-designed kitchen, a walk-in shower, a loft-like ceiling, eco-friendly solar utilities, luxurious features, as well as an open-air sky terrace, which also serves as a fully functional bedroom for those who want to watch the sky at night.

The other two suites are the Fire + Stone and Wind, and they’re designed to deliver a luxurious experience amped with stunning views through the massive windows. Each suite has a raw and rustic appeal to it, accentuated by blackened steel accents and concrete shells. Wood was charred using the Japanese technique of shou sugi ban, and it adds a lovely texture to the buildings. The choice of materials incorporates a connection between humans and nature. Solar panels in the form of trees have been placed next to each suite, to encourage energy efficiency. “Folly Mojave strives to operate as a self-sufficient microgrid, with the sun reigning as the primary energy source – truly disconnecting from external utilities,” said Alqadi.

The property also includes another outdoor structure – the Mara Pavilion. This pavilion is inspired by the Oasis of Mara, which is one of the five palm oases in Joshua Tree National Park. This building is intended for self-care and wellness activities, and it will host movie nights, sound baths, yoga classes, and other intimate gatherings. The pavilion also includes a sauna, cold plunge pool, heated pool, and steam room. Therapists will also offer myriad spa treatments from a specially curated menu.

The post This Off-Grid Desert Retreat Is Eco-Conscious & The Perfect Secluded Escape first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Little Retreat In The Australian Wilderness Offers An Off-The-Grid Yet Luxurious Weekend Getaway

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Named the Gilay Estate, and nestled in the rural landscape of New South Wales, Australia, this tiny retreat does look like an old hut or an agricultural shed from afar. But, it is in fact a cozy home designed to offer a luxurious and comfortable off-grid living experience. Designed by Cameron Anderson Architects, the home is built outside the small town of Quirindi, which consists of a population of only 2000 people. The retreat features a visually appealing exterior which includes a sloping sheet metal roof with massive overhangs to protect from the harsh sun.

Designer: Cameron Anderson Architects

The Gilay Estate also includes charred timber cladding which encapsulates the traditional fire management techniques employed by the Indigenous Australians. The interior of the home measures 40 sq m, all within one floor. The interior is mainly occupied by an open living area which contains a wood-burning stove for warmth, seating, a king-sized bed, and a kitchen. It also includes a breakfast bar/desk area for having your meals, and also working from home. The retreat also features a bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet.

The comfy estate includes a couple of additional amenities as well, such as a deck area, a little wood-fired hot tub, and a fire pit. These extra features make the retreat even more appealing and luxurious, offering sophisticated options to pass the time. Besides these lovely touches, the home is equipped to support an off-the-grid lifestyle. It is powered by a roof-based 6.4-kW solar panel array and 11.4-kW battery storage, whereas the water is supplied by a 60,000-liter (roughly 15,800-gal) rainwater collection system. The Gilay Estate is quite independent in providing electricity and water, so visitors do not need to depend on external sources.

The Gilay Estate is available for short-term rent on Airbnb, you can check it out for a quaint off-grid vacation if you’re in the mood to reconnect with nature!

The post This Little Retreat In The Australian Wilderness Offers An Off-The-Grid Yet Luxurious Weekend Getaway first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Little Cabin In Prague Features A Facade That Can Be Lifted Up To Open It To The Outside

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Dubbed the Garden Pavilion, and designed by BYRÓ architekti, this cozy retreat looks like a simple little shed when you first look at it. However, located on a garden plot in Prague, the home is equipped with a clever space-saving layout. The retreat’s front-facing facade can be raised, opening up the cabin to the outdoors! How cool is that?!

Designer: BYRÓ architekti

The pavilion was constructed on the foundation of what was once an old wooden cottage. Greenhouses and other small cottages are located next to it, which function as storage spaces for gardeners. The retreat was designed to merge with its surroundings while allowing the residents to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the greenery.

“We thought about how to connect the building as closely as possible to the surrounding garden, and we ultimately came up with the idea of a folding panel that allows one side of the house to completely open,” said BYRÓ architekti. “This way, the interior seamlessly transitions to the outdoors, with the garden penetrating the building, creating a kind of paraphrase of a garden loggia, which was our fundamental architectural inspiration. When open, the polycarbonate wall also functions as an outdoor roof, expanding the covered space where one can stay during rainy weather. The panel folding mechanism consists of steel cables, pulleys, and counterweights, making it easy for one person to open the entire facade.”

The retreat occupies a minimal footprint and measures 3 x 5 m. It has a finish of charred wood which was created using the traditional Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban. This technique involves burning wood to preserve the home and keep bugs at bay. The interior of the home is 20 sq m, and it features two floors which have been designed like a tiny home. The ground floor includes an open living area which has plenty of shelving for books and CDs. It also contains a dining table and seating.

The upper floor can be accessed via a fixed wooden ladder and this section doesn’t have to have a lot of headspace. This floor includes the bedroom – some shelving, a double bed, and a skylight. The retreat doesn’t contain a bathroom, which is quite inconvenient, but also implies that it may not be intended for long stays. The Garden Pavilion is better suited for spending time during the day, or for an occasional overnight trip.

The post This Little Cabin In Prague Features A Facade That Can Be Lifted Up To Open It To The Outside first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Undulating Villa With A Green Rooftop On A Japanese Island Is Currently For Sale If Any Millionares Are Looking

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Nestled on the stunning Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, this impressive green villa is called the Ishigaki Earth and was designed by architect Sou Fujimoto. It’s been a year since its debut, and startup hospitality brand Not a Hotel has recently put it up for sale. The expansive retreat occupies 9900 square meters and is located along the island’s pretty southwestern coast. It has a unique circular design topped by a lush green roof which eradicates the typical concept of a front and back, instead, it allows the villa to effortlessly merge with the surrounding nature.

Designer: Sou Fujimoto

The villa’s expansive roof is marked with large openings that provide stunning views of the sky, inadvertently masking the lines between the structure and nature. Fujimoto had a specific vision for the project which involved creating a serene connection between the villa and nature. He wanted to harmonize them and make them one. The circular structure and concave design are inspired by the undulations of the rolling hills, in turn, offering the residents unobstructed views, and allowing the island’s pretty greenery to merge with the ocean panoramas.

The relaxing retreat is amped with multiple amenities such as an infinity pool that merges with the sea, spacious living and dining rooms with beautiful views, a fully equipped gym, and an underwater sauna. The pool is a beauty to look at, as the sky and water meet there, building a fusion of the horizons. It is truly the perfect place to unwind and relax! The living area of the home extends towards the outside and is equipped with full-height glazing, allowing the surrounding landscapes to be connected to the home.

The retreat accommodates four bedrooms which can comfortably house up to ten people. Each bedroom in the house has been designed to provide a calming and tranquil experience. The bedroom on the waterside offers serene views of the sea, with a bathroom that allows the residents to catch glimpses of the horizon. The rooftop garden also accommodates a pool for kids to play in, as well as a fireplace to gather around and warm up.

The post This Undulating Villa With A Green Rooftop On A Japanese Island Is Currently For Sale If Any Millionares Are Looking first appeared on Yanko Design.