Santorini is a place of turbulent geological history. Being still an active volcano, it is always in a process of transformation. The uniqueness of its story can be found in the geological strata. Red, black, and white rocks form an unprecedented landscape. Its uniqueness is also expressed in its shape. It is a circular island with an off-center void; a result of various destructive volcanic eruptions. The iconicity of the island and its main tourist value is derived from this landscape, with its many picturesque villages spread on the volcanic cliffs and the sublime views. Today, the tourist industry has reduced Santorini to this iconic image, obliterating its many other facets. Santorini is also famous for its ancient vineyards, producing some of the most exquisite wines in Greece. The shape of the vines is a local peculiarity too. Local farmers give a circular form to the plants for hundreds of years. Our project is placed in an old abandoned vineyard on the outer perimeter of the island. This marginal location allows us to bring to the surface less visual and more tactile qualities of Santorini. We restore the vineyard and we infuse the viticultural mystique in the hospitality.
The hotel is organized as a small Carthusian monastery, with residences on the two sides and a communal space at the center. Contrary to the common trend that dictates that hotels look at a panoramic sea view, we turn our hotel towards the volcanic mountain. A circular void covered with red volcanic stones is placed at the center of the composition. It dominates the communal experience and it contextualizes the project. It is a place for gatherings, events, and banquets. The entrance frames the volcanic cone with the red circle in the foreground. Opposite the entrance, the circle has a triangular apex that leads to an underground cave-like
wine cellar. Nine residences are placed along two axes covered with an extended pergola. One axis ends up in a subterranean bath, while the other branches to smaller landscape pathways. Each residence has its own smaller courtyard, forming a more intimate landscape.
The project aspires to immerse the inhabitants in the many aspects of the Thiraic ground. Geological transformation, agricultural activities, earth traces of material cultures and ways of living are all becoming part of the hotel experience.
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