Casa La & Casa Lu
Casa La is a fragmented house composed of 5 bungalows strategically nestled amidst verdant gardens accessed by a raised wooden footpath, offering captivating ocean views. Its design prioritises an ocean-centric layout, facilitating smooth circulation and harmonious integration with nature. Each beach bungalow boasts bedrooms opening onto terraces with shaded pergolas, while essential services remain discreetly tucked away. Meanwhile, Casa Lu is envisioned as a series of three interconnected spaces, surrounded by a spacious terrace with large pergola coverings, overlooking the lush garden. Emphasising communal living, the pool bungalows seamlessly extend into the outdoor environment. The design emphasizes intimacy, offering flexibility to adjust spaces based on residents' preferences. Both Casa La and Casa Lu feature foundations rooted in local construction methods, comprising concrete slabs, timber structures, and traditional 'palha' thatching. These elements are integrated with concrete slabs serving various functions like rainwater collection and thermal mass utilisation. An east-facing blind facade shields against winds, complemented by lush gardens. Crafted to seamlessly merge with the garden, the bungalows boast sliding doors and venezianas, enhancing the connection with nature. This innovative design harnesses prevailing winds, eliminating the need for air conditioning. External showers and shaded terraces further enhance the allure, with essential services discreetly positioned.
Casa Eli
The 600-square-meter beach villa, Casa Eli, is elevated from the sand, offering stunning views of the lush garden and the Atlantic Ocean. It features a mass timber megastructure constructed with locally sourced materials. The rigidity of the grid is softened by doubleheight spaces, a planted patio, and several shaded terraces, facilitating cross ventilation and seamless indoor-outdoor living experiences, mirroring the design approach seen in the guesthouses where rooms open completely onto the outside. The wooden grid-like structure on both levels defines the overall volume and rhythm of the spaces, providing a cohesive architectural element throughout Casa Eli. Designed for a family of five on holiday, the building prioritises night spaces on the ground floor for thermal efficiency, while living areas are situated above to capitalise on the breathtaking views. Additionally, the villa includes a library, study room, music studio, and other amenities. Sustainable energy needs are met by a solar farm discreetly located at the rear of the site, aligning with the retreat's commitment to renewable energies.
Elilula Collective
Beyond being a peaceful escape, Elilula is home to the Elilula Collective, a platform for exchange where artists gather to share ideas through workshops, residencies, and public events. In its inaugural year, the Elilula Collective welcomed both a collaboration with online gallery Display Fever led by Naz Balkaya to curate artwork found throughout the property, and UK-based painter and designer Quentin Martin for a one-week residency. Additionally, a six-month furniture residency brought together a diverse group of international UK-based designers who created site-specific furniture. Each piece now inhabits the various bungalows, making them distinct from one another and offering a unique interpretation of the surroundings and architecture of Elilula. Detailed information about each designer and their contributions to Elilula can be found on the Casas Elilula website (https://casaselilula.com) providing a rich tapestry of stories and inspirations behind the diverse and thoughtfully crafted furniture pieces that complement the overall architecture. The design, construction, and overall curation of both Elilula & Elilula Collective by Commanay and Conti-Granteral reflect a commitment to creating not just a physical retreat but a dynamic hub for creative exchange.
Team:
Architect: Elisa Commanay & Romain Conti-Granteral
Photography: Pedro Kok
