Project:
Lounges by the Lake
Location:
Buftea, Ilfov
Architectural program:
Landscaping
Date of completion:
Concept
"Lounges by the Lake" is a bespoke garden retreat designed for a couple in their sixties, seeking respite and tranquility at their weekend home outside Bucharest.
After years of tending demanding vegetable gardens, they desired a low-maintenance landscape for relaxation and connection with nature. The design transforms their lakeside property into a haven of leisure, featuring various lounge areas for both solitary reflection and entertaining guests. These spaces, both indoors and outdoors, are thoughtfully curated for reading, dining, and simply enjoying the scenery. Warm white and beige tones create a calming atmosphere, complementing the lush greenery and inviting relaxation.
The addition of a pontoon fulfills their wish to explore the lake by boat, further immersing them in the tranquility of their surroundings. With minimal-maintenance shrubs, evergreens, and a greenhouse showcasing a few exotic plants, the garden requires little upkeep, allowing the couple to fully embrace their well-deserved leisure time.
This project speaks to the transformative power of design, creating a sanctuary where this couple can unwind, connect with nature, and savor the serenity of their lakeside retreat.
01 The Dining Patio
This open-air space is an elegant setting for meals and gatherings. Warm lighting and natural materials create a cozy ambiance, inviting lingering conversations and shared moments.
02 The Barbecue Area
This social hub is designed for outdoor cooking and entertaining. The adjacent storage room and bathroom ensure convenience, while the surrounding landscape enhances the connection to nature.
03 The Greenhouse
A luminous sanctuary, the greenhouse showcases a curated collection of sculptural cacti and succulents
04 The Swing Patio
Adjacent to the greenhouse, this shaded retreat invites gentle swaying and peaceful contemplation.
05 The Sun Waterfront Retreat
This lakeside terrace is designed for pure relaxation. It's the perfect spot to bask in the sun, listen to the gentle lapping of the water, and lose oneself in the beauty of the surroundings.
06 The Summer Bar
The outdoor summer bar, veiled in soft curtains, invites culinary creativity and connection with nature. Its minimalist design and warm accents create an inviting space, fostering a deeper appreciation for the simple pleasures of lakeside living.
These minimalist stairs, bathed in warm sunlight, lead to the pontoon and the tranquil lake, embodying the project's focus on connecting with nature.
Their simple design, contrasting with the textured wall and lush greenery, emphasizes the transition from the cultivated garden to the serene expanse of water.
Flowing curtains gently enclose the space, providing a soft, diffused light and a sense of privacy without obstructing the views of the surrounding garden and lake.
Smooth, light-colored surfaces and clean lines create a sense of calm and order, while roughly textured walls, bathed in warm sunlight, provide a rustic backdrop for smooth, minimalist shelves. Integrated shelving offers discreet storage for essentials.
The patterned, interlocking tiles offer a tactile contrast, grounding the space in the organic rhythm of the surrounding garden.
Its transparent walls, framed by sleek, minimalist supports, capture the sun's warmth, providing a haven for cultivating exotic plants.
The surrounding landscape, a tapestry of ornamental grasses and flowering plants, seamlessly blends with the greenhouse's interior, blurring the lines between cultivated and natural environments.
The lakeside garden is a study in contrasts, where the crisp, clean lines of white architectural elements frame and highlight the lush, organic textures of the surrounding vegetation.
A minimalist aesthetic, defined by a neutral palette of white and natural wood tones, creates a calming backdrop, allowing the focus to remain on the dining experience and the surrounding lake views.
The central table, a gathering point for connection, fosters an intimate and inviting ambiance within the open-air dining patio.
Sunlight softly illuminates the round table, casting gentle shadows and creating a serene atmosphere for shared meals and conversations.
The reading corner, bathed in soft light, offers a personal haven amidst the larger space.
Natural textures and potted plants enhance the tranquil atmosphere, creating a perfect escape for literary immersion.
The subtle interplay of light and shadow, combined with the natural textures of wood, stone, and dried botanicals, creates a serene and contemplative still life within the barbecue area.