Motivated by fun and play, a recreational house situated on the southern coast of Damour, Lebanon is built on private agricultural land. Bounded by tree plantations, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, Casaplay is conceived in accord with the area’s neighbouring greenhouses.

Defined by a curved steel structure and longitudinal shape, the playhouse is accessed by an untamed gravel path and sits atop an L-shaped concrete platform. A lacquered deep red wooden cube, housing an open kitchen and bathrooms, is inserted within the steel trusses of the structure. The trusses extend creating a canopied terrace, shaded with white bougainvillea, leading to the outdoor pool, shower and surrounding banana trees.

The remaining indoor space allows for leisurely activities that include music, gym training, ping-pong and a game of pool. Fragrant Mediterranean citrus fruit trees and indigenous olive trees encircle Casaplay and its nearby earthy red colored tennis court.

Casaplay is shortlisted for the Identity Design Awards 2021 in the Residential Architecture category and wins the People’s Choice Award. It is longlisted for the Dezeen Awards 2022 in the Rural House category.