THE PLACE
Perched on the southern coast of the Regional District of Chania in Crete, the project site is defined by the majestic presence of the White Mountains to the north and the expansive embrace of the Libyan Sea to the south. The rugged terrain, marked by rocky gorges and dry gullies, weaves a natural tapestry, leading to a secluded beach hidden within its folds.
THE CONCEPT
Drawing inspiration from the site’s distinctive topography and the harsh yet captivating climate of southern Crete, the project harmoniously integrates with its surroundings. Four 45 m2 suites, each with its courtyard, are seamlessly embedded into the landscape, preserving privacy while embracing the breathtaking vistas. The design concept mimics the contours of the land, carving out four “valleys” that gradually descend into the earth, culminating in individual courtyards for each suite. The olive tree grid, a testament to the region’s agricultural heritage, remains untouched, ensuring continuity in the landscape.
MATERIALITY
White accents highlight the ridges of the “valleys,” gracing both building facades and landscaped walls. A stone-paved walkway connects the suites to the hotel, rising vertically to retain surrounding soil. This stone, hewn from the nearby rocky terrain, seamlessly integrates with existing enclosures and fences. Polished concrete, primarily white in composition, fosters a sense of fluidity across the grounds. Additionally, extensive use of glass in the buildings seamlessly merges interior spaces with the picturesque surroundings. The project harmonizes with the wild beauty of southern Crete, offering residents a tranquil retreat amidst the rugged landscape.
Team members Antonis Dysseakis, Nikos Fournaris, Yannis Prosoparis
Structural engineer Pantelis Diakoumakis
EM study Pentaris Spyros & Kallipolitis Christos OE
Construction Orfanoudakis Techniki Kataskevastiki
Construction oversight inDetail Architecture, Leonidas Viglakis
Interior design inDetail Architecture
Landscape design inDetail Architecture
Lighting design inDetail Architecture
Photography Giorgos Anastasakis/SOUTH space for photography
3D Visualization inDetail Architecture
Plot area 367,95 m²
Total area 180,00 m²
Design year 2019
Construction completed 2021
DOMa Awards 2024 – Award for Best Completed Project
GRAIL Awards 2024 – Merit in Architecture, Tourist Units category