REDEVELOPMENT OF ASTIR PALACE HOTEL, DEVELOPMENT OF THE ADJACENT AREA AND EXPANSION OF ASTIR MARINA
This restaurant building was constructed within the scope of the recent renovation and development of the historic Four Seasons Astir hotel complex in Vouliagmeni, and now houses the Athens branch of the Beefbar line.
The building is situated between the emblematic hotels Nafsika and Arion; a very prominent location. The inception of its design lies in its careful integration into this space.
The open-air circulation of the complex leads to the main entrance of the restaurant, signified by an extension of the stone parapet from the road to the outer wall of the building, and welcomes guests without pretense, much like the greenery surrounding it. The roof and the beams extending out from it are at the forefront of a first impression.
As guests approach, the building emerges gently, in tandem with the surrounding nature. The vegetation becomes lusher as the oxidized copper roof rises softly from the ground, in the movement of a wave that seems to have travelled straight from the sea. The lighting on the underside of the overhang of the roof gives the impression that it’s floating; a distinctive marine or aerial entity visiting dry land.
The main façade of the building is configured towards the north and follows the curvature of the roof. The two levels of the dining space unfold along the length of the roof and bear expansive curved glass panes, providing direct access to the outdoors and an unobstructed view of the sea.
The outer shell is otherwise also clad in complementary materials. The soft green aged copper, the wooden elements, and the thin mosaic stone tiles of differing volumes and dimensions on the elevations that produce a play between light and shadow that reminds of chiaroscuro fully incorporate it into the flourishing landscape. The rest of the outdoor space designed is paved with small natural stone tile that does not upset the balance between innate and manufactured.
This architectural approach renders the building a means of bidirectional interaction between the guests and the setting in all its aspects; whether it’s the earthy but refined character of the building shining through the choice of materials, or the curved glass panes and roof that, directly and indirectly respectively, reflect the coast and deeper still the sea.
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