Casa Aire Mountain Retreat, Colombia
Where a superstar,
Finds relief
Serenity, when we think of the word we certainly don't put it in the same sentence as superstar, however, in this private retreat, José Álvaro Osorio Balvín known professionally as J Balvin gave us a taste of his oasis in the middle of Mediellín.
Oh, and dear readers, if you come listening reggaeton, put some headphones on.
Credits: Rainbow Nelson
Casa Aire is J Balvin’s third residential collaboration with Medellín-based architecture and design studio Cinco Solidos.
Cinco Solidos' minimalist style is ideal for J Balvin's mountain retreat, which he hopes to eventually expand into a large residential complex for family and friends. Outside, a pastel blue and pink basketball court adds a playful element to the otherwise serene setting.
With a long-existing collaborative relationship between the designers and their client, the design process was not complicated. The basic principles were clear to all; open minimalist concept, Japanese zen vibe, and that the exterior surrounds the interior, linking nature to design.
As a result, Japanese water features, with Japanese and Spanish olive trees, arranged according to Feng Shui principles, are distinctive and important elements of the house design, as much as the minimalist furniture.
Low, forest green, Osaka tube-shaped sofas designed in 1967 by Frenchman Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) for Italian manufacturer La Cividina dominate the space in the living room, which opens completely onto the outdoor terraces.
The sofas are flanked by two large travertine slabs that serve as coffee tables.
With Buffala oak chairs designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11 flanking, a table designed by Cinco Solidos, the dining room has a strong mid-century minimalist feel. The living room, which also opens directly onto the terraces, has only one piece of art: a painting by Colombian artist Christian Abusaid.
Credits: Rainbow Nelson
The home has a muted color palette with only a few nods to J Balvin's love of color. Each of the three bedrooms is decorated with brilliant works by Takashi Murakami, a Japanese contemporary artist, and FriendsWithYou, a Californian art collaboration between Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III.
Credits: Rainbow Nelson
J Balvin deserves credit for seeking balance in his hectic and crazy global superstar lifestyle, which led to the creation of this house retreat, which soothes simply by watching.
