The step complex develops along the slope of a hill on Zakynthos Island.
The design aimed to highlight the natural environment via free tracings throughout the landscape, including elements of water, planting and structures in natural materials. The limits between interior and exterior areas are blurred, in the constant flow of the liquid element.
The building volumes develop around the central pond feature, in which islets are formed with resting points, a bar and a restaurant. Crossing a bridge over water, the visitor encounters the main building, characterised by clean surfaces framed by bamboo constructions, both on the external and internal elevations. The restaurant opens out to the outer terrace and the views. The sunset bar is west-facing, unlike the majority of the other buildings, which are oriented towards the sea, while on the rim of the hill the spa provides unobstructed views to the southern part of the island, completing the majestic 360° views offered by the hotel.

Block722 architects+

The post Olea All Suite Hotel was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

The hotel is located in a listed ensemble of the Old Town of Chania, Crete, in a building that was originally the mansion of a Venetian noble 16th century.
The building’s Venetian physiognomy is evident in the appearance and structure, while elements such as the hammam indicate the operations it suffered from Turkocracy.
Given the history of the building, the main objective of the architects was the highlight of the current shell and its maximum utilisation. Upon restoration, interventions were performed with minute discrete components to highlight the original inner casing and the historical stratification of the different construction periods.
In order to showcase the Roman archaeological finds, glass floors with metal beams were installed in the lobby and the basement communal WCs.
The coupling of the existing robust structure and modern, light and permeable elements led to the emergence of a new architectural quality with new functionalities. The property has a total area of 615m2 and comprises 11 rooms and suites.

Kyriaki Kastrinaki, Anda Tiganus Kokolaki

The post Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

The aim of the project was to take advantage of local conditions, offering a special microclimate with the use of continuous planting and the strong presence of the water element.
A network of primary, secondary and private pools is entwined by the two-storey accommodation units, which are organised into neighbourhoods, redefining the scale of modern hotel facilities in relation to the environment and the visitor. Simultaneously, a corresponding planting network upgrades the quality of public spaces, expands on the roof of the host Roof and climbs the pergolas of the rooms, ensuring the privacy of journeys.
The infrastructure of services is completed by the multi-level central building that houses the food departments and entertainment areas. Transverse to it, a “green” canopy balances the height difference between the road and provides a covered open space, filtering the visitor’s transition from the dry environment of Gennadi to the provided recreational services of the facility.
The accommodation unit is characterised by the dynamic circulation flow from public to private, with tiered access through a planted courtyard, a semi-open space and the room space, culminating in a private swimming pool.

Melenos Architects,  Klimis Katogas, Giannis Maroullakis

The post Gennadi Grand Resort was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

The luxurious 5 star hotel, situated in the Cretan Gulf of Georgioupolis between the historic prefectures of Chania and Rethymnon, is characterised by a contemporary, original design.

After its renovation lasting 8 months, the abandoned 90’s complex was reborn and transformed into a modern, European standard hotel, with landscaped outdoor areas dominated by intense tropical vegetation, where bamboo and palm trees take centre stage.

A staircase in natural wood and cement leads to the pool bar, the restaurant à la carte and the central swimming pool, designed in reference to the harmony of the sea colours, reflecting the beauty of the landscape.

The first building of the complex is redesigned to house the reception, bar, lobby and the main restaurant, whose decoration comprises a synthesis of ethnic patterns in cement screed combined with irregular wooden volumes. A grey colour palette intermingles with the light and dark hues of natural wood, creating a cozy atmosphere of discreet luxury. In the lobby, selected lighting and custom designed furniture enhance the feeling of warmth and relaxation.

The complex’s contemporary interior is characterised by the polymorphic design of the rooms, which provides comfort to the space as well as unobstructed views of the sea. Here, predominant tones of grey with ethnic touches blend with the Aegean blue, magnetising the gaze of visitors.

In the spa, overlooking the charming beach, natural materials in earthy tones, raw surfaces and reliefs with floral patterns on the walls tie harmoniously with the rustic furniture from peeled tree trunks, creating an impressive rustic scenery.

GeoHow – Γιώργος Χρυσοχόου 

George Vasilakis

Lefteris Kouklakis

George Vasilakis, Giannis Litinas, Marios Lianos

The post La Mer Resort & Spa was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.