Canadian design studio Naturehumaine completes the Selenite retreat which is found in a forested site in Quebec defined by its white-painted wooden planks and matching white metal roof panels. This gives the retreat a monochrome look throughout the exterior and the namesake nods to the crystalline material that is known to have healing properties. The team at the studio wanted to fuse elements of an ecological architecture with a notion of wellness and unique resorts.
The founder of the studio Stéphane Tasseletshares the design notion with Dezeen, "The main concept of the project was to offer an inclusive resting place in the forest promoting well-being and rejuvenation. During one of the first meetings, the clients told us about the Selenite stone (or moonstone) and its benefits. We thought of this idea of crystalline prisms for the roof design to get away from a traditional roof form while still referencing it in a way. The white color of the house also reinforces this idea of crystal."
Image Credit: Raphaël Thibodeau
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Ecological Architecture
- Blending architecture with ecology opens new avenues for sustainable building practices that prioritize nature integration and energy efficiency.
- Wellness-centric Design
- Incorporating wellness elements into building designs creates environments that promote mental and physical rejuvenation for occupants.
- Monochrome Aesthetics
- Using monochrome aesthetics in architecture can redefine visual simplicity and elegance, appealing to a niche market of minimalistic design enthusiasts.
Where This Applies
- Sustainable Construction
- The sustainable construction industry is being transformed by innovative designs that fuse ecological considerations with modern architecture.
- Health and Wellness Tourism
- Health and wellness tourism benefits from architectural projects that offer retreats focused on mental and physical rejuvenation in natural settings.
- Minimalist Design
- The minimalist design industry is experiencing a shift towards integrating natural materials and muted color palettes in architectural projects.
