Kálesma is the fruit of a stitchless collaboration between K-Studio, Studio Bonarchi in interior design and styling and the hotel owners, that binds modernism with the local tradition, reinventing mykonian hospitality by proposing a laid-back experience of island living.
Kálesma means invitation in greek. It is not really a hotel. It is a village, in the traditional Mykonian sense. There is a local saying, that when a couple marry, they make a village, meaning that they will build a home that will grow, over the years, to accommodate generation after generation of their family. Kálesma reimagines the concept of the extended family home, as an intimate hospitality destination that invites guests to connect to the essence of Cycladic life.
Embracing the raw beauty of the arid rocky landscape and dark blue sea, and taking inspiration from the simple honesty of the island vernacular, we have designed a ‘village’ of whitewashed studios and villas scattered, as if pixelating the landscape, around a central ‘plateia’ or communal space. Sitting on the spine of a hill in the north-west part of the island, it is uniquely positioned to enjoy views of both the sunrise to the east, and the sunset to the west. The communal social areas, wellness area and boutique are located at the uppermost part of the site, to ensure that these views can be appreciated by every guest as they relax, swim in the pool or dine on the terrace.
Close by, a traditional stone ‘Aloni’, a circular structure used for grinding wheat into flour, has been retained and repurposed as a meditative platform from which to enjoy the sunset.
Accommodation is compiled of 25 suites and 2 villas, each with their own private pool terrace and sea view.
Tradition, history and the “aloni“ constitute the unique origin that arose the necessity to create an elemental dialogue between the exceptional surroundings and the interiors, and thus connect them seamlessly: Entry is through a small courtyard that offers the chance to ‘de-sand’ in the external shower. The suites are divided into a sleeping/living volume and a bathing volume, and space is shared equally between them so that both activities can be enjoyed in balance. The volumes frame the terrace which features lounge and dining areas looking over a private pool to an uninterrupted view of the Aegean.
Kálesma’s interiors are characterised by a noble simplicity, an amalgam of tradition with contemporary design elements culminating in an interpretation of the Cycladic style. Pure Myconian sculptural geometries coexist with modern linear gestures that intertwine in an organic way. Contrasts between the brightness of white , the natural feeling of brushed wood and the sharpness of dark brass details, illuminate the heritage of this exceptional property. Whitewashed walls together with natural sandblasted stone floors in earthly colours and dark wooden ceilings with chestnut beams and bamboo reeds create an ideal natural canvas for the interiors in a way that allows the blue colour of the sea to stand out. Kálesma is a real exploration of themes and textures.
Most of the furniture is custom made, created by greek craftsmen and individual artists, so as to achieve a unique, "one of a kind” feeling. Comfortable upholstered sofas with stonewashed linen fabrics, handmade oak armchairs with rattan details inspired by traditional furniture coming from the 50’s and sculptural curved black lava stone coffee tables co-exist with iconic ultra sleek lighting pieces for a rough yet sophisticated style. Brutal furniture with primitive materials add an artistic value magically connected to the serenity and pureness of the project’s authentic greek style.
Sensual materials, rich in spirit, create timeless spaces that allow the visitor to enjoy the true essentials: the greek light and the stunning Aegean sea view.
Team:
Architect: K-Studio, Studio Bonarchi
Creative Direction: K-Studio, Studio Bonarchi
Master planning: K-Studio
Architectural Design: K-Studio
Interior Design & Styling: Studio Bonarchi
K-Studio Design Team: Dimitris Karampatakis, Michalis Skitsas, Vasia Mavrogianni, Arianna Mechili, Lila Simou, Elpiniki Kekelou, Dafni Dimopoulou, Vasilis Eleftheriadis
Project Manager: Black Hawk
Surveyor: Panagiotis Stathis
Structural Engineer: Dimitris Poulidis
Mechanical Engineer: TEKEM S.A.
Lighting Designer: CPLD
Kitchen Consultant: XENEX S.A.
Main Contractor: AZAS Constructions
Photo credits: Vangelis Paterakis, Yiorgos Kordakis, Salva Lopez
Material Used:
1. Wall Paints: SIKA Hellas ΑΒΕΕ
2. Plasterboards: Knauf Insulation S.A.
3. Window/Door Frames: TSIGAS
4. Marble Cladding: Mavromaras - Antonopoulos
5. Marble Floors: Delta Marbles
6. Sanitary Ware: VARELAS
7. Lighting & Switches: LITHOSS (TechnoDome Technology Solutions), AACE (advanced construction engineering s.a.),
SOLOMON (Jeffrey Solomon), GALLIS Lighting S.A.
8. Electrical Equipment: Kafkas S.A.
9. A/C: Delta Techniki S.A.
10. Security Systems: Zarifopoulos S.A.
11. Furniture: Box Interiors
12. Woodworks & Joinery: Kakarountas Interiors, Apwood
