The project concerns the completion of an unfinished hotel located in a north-facing bay in Tinos island.
The main request by the new owners was to increase accommodation capacity and improve the communal areas space- and quality-wise, while maintaining the existing structure and retaining permit footprint. The dispersion of the existing volumes along a large territory and with considerable relative level differences between spaces added an extra challenge.
Inspired from the traditional island vernacular, the new proposal blends stone and whitewashed walls to visually breakup the building volumes. This creates the illusion of a cluster of structures scattered on the slope overlooking the bay, resembling an organically developed “village”. Connection between private suites and common hotel areas was addressed in a similar manner resembling narrow village paths, while offering shortcuts wherever possible.
The communal social areas, already limited in space, were redesigned and extended outdoors. New pergolas, act as transition zones between inside and outside and offer a pleasant respite from the summer heat. A new layout for the pools area, better adapting to the terrain, creates diverse areas for lounging and swimming. In order to increase the private living space for guests, outdoor shaded spaces with varying orientations were added in most suites, as well.
The architectural language is complemented by local construction techniques and the use of materials traditionally used in the Cyclades. Whitewashed and masonry walls, smooth screed floors and natural stone paving, timber pergolas and wooden details embrace the guest experience in a natural palette that further grounds the complex into the rugged landscape.