hut privacy alcove by antoine lesur + marc venot wins prix emile hermes

hut privacy alcove by antoine lesur + marc venot for prix emile hermes
all images courtesy marc domage © fondation d’entreprise hermès, 2014

‘hut’ by designers antoine lesur and marc venot answers the theme of ‘time to yourself’, a competition proposed by the fondation hermès which distances itself from existing typologies of furniture and object. the concept stems from the realization of the lack of appropriate spaces in which to briefly isolate in workplaces, and from the fact that when such spaces are available they are often too emphasized and therefore avoided. to solve this, lesur and venot imagined a space in between the end of the spectrum; a wall alcove that allows a moment of intimacy, enabling individuals to lean back for a moment of privacy – a place where it is possible to rest without falling asleep.

video courtesy marc venot

the structure is supported on a steel mesh, lined with felt and with an outer shell of leather. rather than an extended siesta, the concept focuses on the micro break, better adapted to today’s tightly-controlled office environment. ‘the lack of spaces where people can take a break and shut themselves off for a few moments, for example in an office,’ explain lesur and venot. ‘when workplace areas set aside for relaxation are too clearly defined, they tend be deserted, because employees don’t want to look ‘lazy’. so we created a space where people can take time out without relaxing completely or dozing off.’

rather than an extended siesta, the concept focuses on the micro break

the alcove allows a moment of intimacy, enabling individuals to lean back for a moment of privacy

detail of the leather and felt construction