The Radisson Resort Plaza Skiathos introduces a contemporary hospitality infrastructure of high standards and exceptional aesthetics on the unique beach of Kanapitsa. The context of the project is a site of extraordinary, bucolic island beauty, set on the east coast of Skiathos with unparalleled views towards the sea and the surrounding islands.
The project aimed to rethink and upgrade the existing resort to a four-star hotel. The complete renovation of the buildings, its facilities and surrounding area of the complex, which operated as a three-star hotel from 1986 to 2019, created a contemporary facility with a strong seamless sense of place and avoidance of Greek architectural cliches.
The renovated hospitality area now has a capacity of 168 beds, organised in two buildings of five and three storeys respectively, with a total of 84 rooms, each enjoying an unobstructed view of the sea or the surrounding green hills. In addition to the renovation of the hotel’ reception, communal and auxiliary areas, and the 79 standard rooms, the creation of five suites on the top floor of building A -where the kitchen and restaurant were previously located-, contributed significantly to the desired upgrade of the hotel. Each suite is different in size and layout, and features a jacuzzi, private terrace and panoramic views.
The intricate relationship of the hotel complex with the unique Mediterranean landscape, inspired the design strategy of the facade, resulting in the elimination of superfluous decorative arches and introducing the articulation of a ‘shifting’ three-dimensional grid. The facade volumetrically unifies the building massing on one hand, and on the other, creates a deep façade with stepped loggias that refer to each room, ensuring privacy, shading, and framing of the view. The unified expression of the façade catches a delicate interplay of light and shadow during the sunny day hours and poses an elegant theatrical appearance during the cooler evening time. On the ground floor the Building A’s volume is recessed ensuring a fluid relationship between the interior reception and outdoor spaces.
The former access from the street to the hotel was relocated to the northern edge of Building A along a new stair and a protected stoa allowing for a generous and central approach to the entire hotel complex. The renovated exterior spaces of the pool and restaurant deck blend into the landscape as cascading platforms that emerge between the natural rock formations, shading of trees and evergreen bushes. It houses the swimming pool, a semi-outdoor wellness area, scattered sunbathing and seating areas, as well as the outdoor bar and restaurant area. Through the new configurations, the design ensured accessibility, flexibility of use, a harmonious relationship with the landscape, and connection with nature.
The renovation of the Radisson Resort Plaza Skiathos complex required extensive demolition and structural reinforcements. In addition, considerate and sensitive environmental strategies were implemented, aiming to exploit the climate conditions and reduce energy requirements throughout the year, especially during the demanding months of operation.
