The EssenCiel Hotel
An Oasis of Contemporary Design in Brittany
The Château des Pères, near Rennes in France, juxtaposes innovative architecture and art. Nestled in this vast 31-hectare estate steeped in history, in the immediate vicinity of the 18th-century château, the l’EssenCiel hotel emerges like a beacon of modernity, challenging established codes. Designed by architect Anthony Rio of the Unité architecture agency, it opened its doors in late 2022. Its avant-garde arboreal design is the brainchild of visionary entrepreneur Jean-Paul Legendre, founder of the construction group and owner of the property, in collaboration with his son Julien, director of the domain.
A Revolutionary Architecture
The patented and unique concept is inspired by the structure of a tree, with each of its branches bearing a suspended bubble. Imagined as a sculptural building, it reinterprets the concept of a hotel room into a “cosy nest” inviting inwardness, calm, and contemplation. This effect is heightened by their levitation: being held only by a cantilevered walkway, the cocoons appear to float dozens of meters above the ground, explains Anthony Rio, who adds:
“Standing at twenty-eight meters high, the ensemble will undoubtedly bring a new image to hotel architecture, evoking, for the Gen X generation, the bubble architectures of the 1980s or, for literature enthusiasts, a singular work by Italo Calvino. An international clientele will recognize the dream, shared by all humanity and attached to childhood, of the refuge of a treehouse between earth and sky.”
To match the audacity and originality of the exterior structure while infusing a strong identity indoors, Elodie Dumas, architect and co-founder of the Wunder architect agency, drew inspiration from the organic and sculptural image of the highly natural site, placing the view from the oculus at the center of the space organization: “It’s the experience of contemplation, like a lesson from nature that teaches us to disconnect and simply be there to observe.”
The interior design adopts a minimalist and sophisticated approach, with clean lines and a purified color palette. Natural tones, inspired by the variations of the sky throughout the day, are chosen according to the orientation of each room.
In homage to the utopian projects of the 1960s and 70s, referred to as retro-futuristic, iconic design pieces, such as the Eames long chair or the arched design of the lobby’s libraries, are integrated into the spaces.
The Sculpture Park
The Domain is much more than just accommodation; it houses a permanent exhibition of 60 figurative and monumental sculptures. This Sculpture Park annually hosts the solo exhibition of an internationally renowned artist. Over time, artworks have been acquired to create the permanent collection, featuring artists such as Michel Audiard, Francis Guerrier, Christophe Charbonnel, Violaine Dejoie Robin, Sylvie Icher, Remou, Nicolas Lavarenne, Michadu, Lisa VanHo, Cyrille Andre, Eric Theret, and Davide Rivalta.
The ambition is also to valorize manual work through art, while making it accessible. Five resident artist workshops offer discovery workshops in sculpture, modeling, or pottery throughout the year.
Whether you’re passionate about design or simply seeking inspiration, the Essenciel hotel offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, art and architecture.
Shop the Look
Grès
HAOS + The Socialite Family
Honoré
Alan Louis
Kdln
Cosin Paris
The EssenCiel Hotel – An Oasis of Contemporary Design in Brittany
The Château des Pères, near Rennes in France, juxtaposes innovative architecture and art. Nestled in this vast 31-hectare estate steeped in history, in the immediate vicinity of the 18th-century château, the l’EssenCiel hotel emerges like a beacon of modernity, challenging established codes. Designed by architect Anthony Rio of the Unité architecture agency, it opened its doors in late 2022. Its avant-garde arboreal design is the brainchild of visionary entrepreneur Jean-Paul Legendre, founder of the construction group and owner of the property, in collaboration with his son Julien, director of the domain.
A Revolutionary Architecture
The patented and unique concept is inspired by the structure of a tree, with each of its branches bearing a suspended bubble. Imagined as a sculptural building, it reinterprets the concept of a hotel room into a “cosy nest” inviting calm and contemplation. This effect is heightened by their levitation: being held only by a cantilevered walkway, the cocoons appear to float dozens of meters above the ground, explains Anthony Rio, who adds:
“Standing at twenty-eight meters high, the ensemble will undoubtedly bring a new image to hotel architecture, evoking, for the Gen X generation, the bubble architectures of the 1980s or, for literature enthusiasts, a singular work by Italo Calvino. An international clientele will recognize the dream, shared by all humanity… of a treehouse between earth and sky.”
To match the audacity and originality of the exterior structure whilst infusing a strong identity indoors, Elodie Dumas, architect and co-founder of the Wunder architect agency, drew inspiration from the organic and sculptural image of the site: “It’s the experience of contemplation, like a lesson from nature that teaches us to disconnect and simply be there to observe.”
The interior design adopts a minimalist and sophisticated approach, with clean lines and a purified color palette. Natural tones, inspired by the variations of the sky throughout the day, are chosen according to the orientation of each room.
In homage to the utopian projects of the 1960s and 70s, referred to as retro-futuristic, iconic design pieces, such as the Eames long chair or the arched design of the lobby’s libraries, are integrated into the spaces.
The Sculpture Park
The Domain is much more than just accommodation; it houses a permanent exhibition of 60 figurative and monumental sculptures. This Sculpture Park annually hosts the solo exhibition of an internationally renowned artist. Over time, artworks have been acquired to create the permanent collection, featuring artists such as Michel Audiard, Francis Guerrier, Christophe Charbonnel, Violaine Dejoie Robin, Sylvie Icher, Remou, Nicolas Lavarenne, Michadu, Lisa VanHo, Cyrille Andre, Eric Theret, and Davide Rivalta.
The ambition is also to valorize manual work through art, while making it accessible. Five resident artist workshops offer discovery workshops in sculpture, modeling, or pottery throughout the year.
Whether you’re passionate about design or simply seeking inspiration, the Essenciel hotel offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, art and architecture.
Shop the Look
Grès
HAOS + The Socialite Family
Honoré
Alan Louis
Kdln
Cosin Paris
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