Cultural fusion

The project aim is to transform the gourmet area of a 1950s old, modernist mansion into a space for meetings and celebrations.

 

Cultural Influence

The primary inspiration for the design development was based on elements from the African culture during the colonial period. More specifically, Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion, is one of the most expressive manifestations of African culture in Brazil that founded a strong cultural connection in the arts, cuisine, as well as other African traditions, which in turn, have heavily influenced the project’s design aesthetic.

 

Materials and Furniture

The materials are carefully selected, tying into the history of generations who lived in the land many years ago, and establishing a dialogue between contemporary and ancestral traditions. For example, the lounge area revolves around a key piece: an existing masonry sofa decorated with local works of art, while granitite was used for the counter and bar surfaces. Finally, kokedamas, a Japanese technique created to grow different types of plants in a sphere of moss suspended in the air, is used for decorating the exterior garden.

 

Colour Pallet

The colour palette is comprised of terracotta tones: a reddish-orange hue similar to clay brings a feeling of warmth, cosiness and connection with the earth, and refers to the organic and rustic textures of nature. The terracotta-coloured ceiling is inspired by the earth floor found in the Candomblé terreiros -places of worship for an Afro-Brazilian religion that has been practised in the territory for centuries.

Harmonic space

The project aim is the renovation of a 46m2 apartment situated on the 4th floor of a traditional Athenian polykatoikia built in the 1970s, with unobstructed views of the city and an abundance of natural light and ventilation.

 

Functional Organisation

The aim of the design is to create a fully equipped, modern apartment for Airbnb uses with an open plan concept that offers a coherent architectural effect, while at the same time maintaining a high level of privacy. This is achieved through the integration of the kitchen and living area and the demolition of the wall that separated the living room and the bedroom. The new layout allows a large amount of sun light to enter the space and enhances the natural ventilation of the apartment.

 

Balanced Material Palette

The material and colour selection follow the same open-plan concept. More specifically, wooden flooring is used throughout the space, seamlessly integrating with colourful geometric kitchen tiles, complemented by an array of custom furniture in beige and wooden tones, thus creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

 

Interior Lighting

The lighting design further enhances the idea of a unified, cohesive space. Elegant wall fixtures and distinct hanging ceiling lights are chosen for indirect and direct lighting, respectively. The lighting fixtures and decorative elements are painted in earthly tones -terracotta, golden, brown, and green- adding intensity to the space.

Earthly tones

The hotel complex consists of ten suites, divided into tree distinct typologies. The design’s focus is to harmonically blend the building with the immediate landscape and the local architecture.

 

Design philosophy

The building integrates seamlessly with its surroundings through the incorporation of earth-toned limestone on its exterior, as well as natural stone coatings and custom-made wooden pergolas that complement the outdoor space. Large openings were incorporated into the building’s facade to allow natural light to enter the space and offer unobstructed views of the sea or mountains.

 

Typologies

All suite typologies include a spacious bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable living room and bathroom. The suites vary from 55-75m2, some offering views to the mountain others to the sea. The deluxe suites, 75m2, are spread over two floors: on the first floor there is the kitchen, living room, a bathroom, and the private pool, while the basement includes the master bedroom, an additional bathroom and a free-standing bathtub situated against a rock-framed backdrop, overlooking the private pool. The junior suites, 55m2, have mountain views as well as a private pool, while the suites located on the upper level have panoramic views of the island of Kelyfos as well as an outdoor hot tub.

 

Interior material pallet

The interior design is quiet and unobtrusive, featuring a palette of textures and colours in earthy tones, clean geometric volumes, and simple lines. Specifically, a user and environmentally friendly concrete coating is applied, complemented by custom-made furniture crafted from reclaimed oak, and carefully selected natural fabrics. All the above, combined with the statement decorations and minimalist light fixtures, offer a sense of harmony and relaxation to the space.

 

Landscape design

Regarding the landscaping of the surrounding area, the selection of plants is intended to cultivate a tropical landscape that harmonizes seamlessly with traditional Greek elements. The plants include bamboo, palm trees, stipes as well as Greek herbs such as rosemary and lavender, promoting a naturalistic identity to the hotel.