The derelict, industrial structures of the abandoned wine factory that characterize the site have been left untouched since the 1920’s, sitting on a site adjacent to one of the most unspoiled stretches of coastline in the western Peloponnese. It is a naturally ideal location for a hotel.
From the outset it was clear to us all that the strong history and raw beauty of the existing buildings should not only be preserved, but be delicately showcased in a design that would breathe new life into their walls, compliment their brutality with elegant interventions and so transform their austere functionality into a place of calm, comfort and relaxation.
This transformation was the main challenge of the project. We worked with the bare aesthetic of the site without introducing any elements or materials alien to it. This defined our palette of concrete, steel timber and engineered glass. New construction leaves the existing buildings relatively untouched to retain their strong presence and we contrast and balance old and new by using the industrial palette in an elegant way.
Dominating the site are 2 concrete blocks that are divided lengthwise into 2 rows of 10 storage tanks. These tanks became the identical hotel rooms arranged in a linear plan with their openings towards the adjacent beach. A wide promenade raised above the sand and leading down to the water connects the rooms to a lightweight structure at the end of the block, which houses the reception, bar, dining room and lounge.
