Major Laze: Diplo’s Brutalist Jamaican Retreat ‘Pompey’.

The recommended listening to accompany the words that follow would be Diplo’s 2014 album, F10IDA, just work through the whole thing. Why? Well, not only is this piece about his retreat, but the eclectic mix of drum beats, vocal layers and rhythm acts as the perfect backdrop to viewing the brutalist Jamaican retreat that is Pompey. The visual layering of textures, rhythms and materials is much like a well-composed musical number; alone, the notes or elements might not appear very strong, but together, they sing.

It begins with an architectural framework in concrete, designed by Freecell Architecture in collaboration with Gia Wolff—a composition that speaks to the works of Picasso or Braque, with clear nods to originals such as Kahn and Le Corbusier. Concrete has never looked so light and airy, with volumes cut out to let light in, and timber slatted shades inserted throughout to suggest a warm Jamaican evening, graced with a cool Port Antonio breeze.

The idea was for the estate to be resourced by the living world, with sections of sunlight streaming in, rainwater collection on heavier weather days, and organic farms where ingredients are sourced from. The jungle becomes the garden, and with no clear delineation between the outside and the inside, this reversible retreat generates a great sense of collaboration and community between the jungle, Jamaica and those within.

Pa.te.os in Melides: Four Contemporary Holiday Houses by Manuel Aires Mateus.

Fancy yourself a getaway? Pa.te.os by Manuel Aires Mateus beautifully sculpts four individual houses that embraces the topography of Portugal’s Alentenjo.

Inside, the conversation between the art collection and furniture selection is strong, subtle and special all rolled into one. Works by artists such as Pedro Reyes, Sofía Londoño and a sound system by Lucas Muñoz Muñoz. The pieces by Reyes are sculptural compositions of shapes that reflect upon the complex histories of Mesoamerican culture. Londoño’s work takes shape in the form of a ceramic mural, drawing inspiration from the “surrounding plants to explore the interplay between immersive and microscopic life”. A piece from Muñoz Muñoz’s sound system series fits in perfectly with the purpose and play of the retreat and is crafted from upcycled materials. There are also works by Garnett Puett, Veronica Ryan, and Vince Skelly that feature indoors and outdoors.

The interior design is a true curation of experiences and eclecticism, care of Sara Nataf, in partnership with Katelyn Hinden, who intended for the space to nurture social connection and deepen introspection for those looking to hide out for a while. The colour and character of each piece work in perfect cohesion with the paired back concrete backdrop. The general scheme is warm, as it needs to be to create a sense of cosiness and inspire relaxation. The textural furniture pieces appear hardy, but with heart, and are there to be experienced and worn in. Nothing comes across as too precious, perfect or lacking personality and even the gym is coordinated and curated, which is very considerate of the overall vibe.

The Greatest Reef House in The World: The House at Lizard Island by JDA Co.

Uniquely shaped to mimic a stingray's form, this project seeks to accentuate the harmony between architecture and nature.

The studio building is a separate space with a live + control room, perfect for incubating projects in the heart of an unspoiled jungle. In practical terms, it’s an industry-standard recording studio built for a producer, but beyond the practical, the studio was built to be a place where nature and culture aren’t opposing terms.

Other amenities include outdoor showers, a sauna and a cold plunge, a rock climbing wall and even a horse stable, as this lived-in home promotes wellness and tuning into the broader jungle context. It very much promotes switching off, signing out and major laziness and relaxation, which is exactly what you’d need if you’re a world-renowned DJ and creative mind.

Ultimately, Pompey was conceived as a haven where like-minded creatives can gather, get inspired, and unwind while nestled in a teeming rainforest.

Ballen House in Retiro, Colombia by LCLA office with Clara Arango.

Oslo-Based architecture studio collaborated with Clara Arango on this Andes Mountain retreat in Colombia that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior and, by extension, between architecture and nature.

[Images courtesy of Pompey. Photography by DePasquale+Maffini.]