In the last century, during the summer time, crossing the plains and the seashore of the island of Zakynthos, one encountered different variations of an interesting ephemeral architectural form, the primitive stilt hut. This construction primarily functioned as an observation unit during agricultural work, and later as a pleasant and cool place for the residents to stay during the summer. Basic elements of the architectural composition are found in these constructions, such as the grid, the overlapping placement of similar elements, the openings towards north and east, the placement of the volume on piles for enhancing the cooling of the construction with the aim of the local winds etc. These principles influenced us for the design of the tourist complex.
On a plot with a slight slope and full of scattered olive trees, located on the island of Zakynthos, and 150 meters from the Ionian sea, a 4* tourist complex was designed, consisting of three units of furnished rooms and 18 apartments (studio), reception area, restaurant, pool bar, swimming pools and parking area. Although the plot is situated close to the sea, the view towards it, is not unobstructed, therefore it was decided that the unit should be developed around the plot and all the views from the rooms should be oriented towards the inside of the olive tree garden, creating an introverted micro-settlement .
The goal was to create two distinct neighborhoods, the one with the unit of the double rooms and the one with the apartments (studios). Each neighborhood is developed around its own swimming pool with the organic shape.
In the heart of the micro-settlement we place the common areas of the hotel, such as the restaurants and the reception area. These buildings are also organically shaped and have a green roof. Their facade is consisted of glass panels covered with wooden shades. During the summer months, these panels can be opened in order to connect the interior with the exterior. Around the perimeter of the plot, a strict boundary is created by the cluster of building volumes, while in the center, an open space is created full of organic shapes of various textures, materials, colors and heights such as the green flower beds, the swimming pools, the restaurant, the deck corridors.
The neighborhood with the two typologies of apartments (studios) consists of independent and self-contained two-story volumes. Each apartment has a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and office space. The volumes of the apartments on the first floor are slightly moved in relation to the ground floor, creating a semi-outdoor space (covered corridor) on the ground floor that contributes to the natural cooling of the unit. For each ground floor apartment there is a backyard with a private swimming pool, deck area and an olive tree for natural shading. Privacy is also enhanced with movable wooden panels. The basic building structure of the double rooms consists of two-story volumes with tiled roofs. Different types of open spaces, different railing materials (wood and glass) creates an interesting diversity in the facade.
The Ionian islands are characterized by a lot of sunshine throughout the year, that’ s why all the roofs are facing towards the south and are covered with solar tiles in natural shades. Aluminum frames and vertical wooden dividers / shades are used. The walls are covered with natural ecological mortars in natural tones and the floors are covered with stone tiles and pebbled floors.

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Hotel complex in an olive garden

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Hotel complex in an olive garden

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