The total redesign of the iconic “Hanikian” hotel, dating in the mid-1970's, embodies elements of topography of its legendary location on the Corinthian Gulf, shaping a new architectural identity. The formerly rectangular, repetitively formed, modernist building is now endowed with an organic form, inspired by landscape formations under the bright natural light. The design concept for the new hotel highlights the material and sensual properties of its location on the northern edge of the Greek Volcanic Arc, besides “Sousaki”, a craterless volcano dormant for 2.7 million years.
Inspired by a mythological embodiment of a volcanic eruption, the design introduces panoramic views, and emulates the fluidity of lava: The square volumes of the building become a stack of white “pebbles” while successive curved surfaces on the facades of the building give a dynamic form and a sculpture effect that creates an overall sense of movement.
Due to the rigid form and geometry of the building, ELASTIC designed with the intent of the hotel’s structure and aesthetics to appear as an extension of the landscape itself, bearing a sense of graceful, uninterrupted motion. To that end, we encompassed flowing curves, transcendental forms, continuous expanses, and flawless linkages between adjacent areas, giving a sense of constant movement while being in a solid, closed matter.
Bespoke furniture designed for all common spaces, offer functionality while following contemporary aesthetics, inspired by distinctive natural elements.
Hand-blown glass used to create selective furniture, including a most prominent bar shaped as melted gold, offer the unique lushness of an art piece. The color palette features volcanic shades of terracotta and amber, bronze mirrors, gold, and tinted glass while furniture was designed to offer a sense of organic luxury.
In the hotel’s rooms and suites, Travertino stone, with its rare tonalities hewn by nature, was used to illuminate the space and bring out a vivid, uplifting feel. Walls and flooring were cladded with cement mortar to accent the seamlessness of spaces, while oak wood gives elegance and warmth in the interiors for a welcoming and timeless look.
The hotel offers 166 luxury rooms and suites providing indoor dining, two bathrooms, and freestanding bathtubs. Common spaces include a lobby and indoor sea view bar with a bronze sculptural countertop under an undulating ceiling. An all-day dining restaurant, gym, and spa, as well as a magnificent infinity rooftop shallow pool with bar and lounge seating area offer extended views over the Corinthian Gulf.
The reuse of the existing building structure ensured the minimization of waste and energy in terms of concrete works, reinforcing the use of local, natural materials. Area construction crews and laborers were recruited to leverage on local expertise.
During the design process, special emphasis was placed on a low energy footprint. The goal was to give prominence to the central building by using new materials that are part of the principles of sustainable development and modern morphology, without compromising architectural quality.
With the hotel being situated in a most unique location, the Corinthian Bay, boasting incredible landscapes and a fascinating history, albeit neglected and degraded over the years, we aimed at the re-birth of this exceptional destination through a new architectural identity. We, thus, envisioned the transformation of this formerly renowned building into a new stunning 5-star landmark that would offer a new attractive, accessible and inclusive venue to the local community and society as a whole.
