Expertise: The Philosophy of Poetic Narratives in Bean Buro’s Designs
Creating Harmonious Retreats
Authors:
Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, co-founder of Bean Buro
Lorène Faure, co-founder of Bean Buro
At Bean Buro, we embrace the art of designing spaces that resonate with poetic narratives, creating harmonious environments that speak to the soul. Within residential and hospitality design, each project becomes a canvas on which we paint stories, weaving cultural influences, spatial intricacies, and a balance of luxury and comfort. This article will journey through three of our recent projects, each an embodiment of our philosophy in practice: the Playpod Sanctuary, the Residential Show Apartment inspired by the State Theatre, and The Enchanted Grove.
Playpod Sanctuary: A Fusion of Playfulness and Tranquility
Nestled amidst the bustling cityscape, the Playpod Sanctuary is conceived as a refuge from urban life, an escape where one can reconnect with creativity and self-expression. This residential project merges the concepts of play and sanctuary, drawing inspiration from Japanese architecture and French elegance. The space celebrates simplicity, with clean lines and a restrained color palette that invites calmness. Yet, woven throughout is a sense of whimsy, as each room is punctuated by playful elements—a suspended reading nook, vibrant accents, and a sculptural light fixture that casts shadows reminiscent of tree branches.
Here, the design narrative is grounded in the idea of harmonious duality. The playful elements do not disrupt the tranquility but enhance it, allowing each resident to experience a balance between introspection and exploration. Materials such as warm timber, brushed brass, and soft textiles are chosen not only for their tactile qualities but also for their ability to evoke memories of nature. The Playpod Sanctuary is thus not merely a home; it is a testament to the joy of finding peace within.
The Enchanted Grove: A Harmonious Escape Amidst Nature
Finally, The Enchanted Grove embodies the essence of nature within a hospitality setting. Inspired by the serenity of a forest, this project blurs the line between indoor and outdoor, bringing the enchantment of nature into a curated interior landscape. The design narrative here is rooted in biophilic principles, as natural elements—wood, stone, and lush greenery—are seamlessly integrated into the architectural form. Guests are invited to wander through pathways lined with plants, experience the gentle rustling of leaves, and enjoy the scent of fresh timber, all within the shelter of an interior space.
Here, poetic narrative is expressed through the physical and sensory journey offered to each visitor. Every corner of The Enchanted Grove is an invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the natural world. Lighting is crafted to evoke the dappled light of a forest canopy, while acoustic treatments recreate the sounds of nature. By embracing a holistic design approach, The Enchanted Grove becomes a sanctuary that rejuvenates the body and soul, an intimate retreat within the hospitality realm.
Crafting Narratives Beyond Aesthetics
Through these projects, we reflect our belief that design transcends aesthetics. In residential and hospitality spaces, design becomes a vessel for stories, a medium through which culture, history, and nature converge. At Bean Buro, we strive to create environments that are as meaningful as they are beautiful, ensuring each space we touch resonates with a poetic narrative uniquely its own.
Our work in these domains is a testament to our commitment to fostering connections between people and their environments. Each project tells a story that is not only seen but felt, inviting inhabitants to experience spaces that nurture, inspire, and ultimately, become part of their personal journey. By embracing narratives within our designs, we breathe life into spaces, making them more than mere physical structures—transforming them into enduring sanctuaries of meaning and beauty.
