At the second architecture competition of 100% Hotel Design Awards, that was introduced at 100% Hotel Show 27-30 November of 2015, the award for the <> was given to the hotel
«IKIES Traditional Houses»
and the architecture office
THINGK_ΣΟΦΙΑ ΒΑΝΤΑΡΑΚΗ
Project Description
The hotel IKIES has a prime location in Caldera, at the edge of Oia’s cliff, and consists of 11 residences with traditional Cycladic architecture.
The renovation of the hotel started in October 2014 and was completed within 6 months. The subject of the study was the re-interpretation of the hotel’s commercial concept, the redesign of the rooms and the complete modernization of its inside out beauty. The aim was to highlight the uniqueness of each room while keeping a common aesthetic line throughout the hotel.
Aiming to conserve the successful trade concept, which wanted each room to refer to a traditional occupation (House of the Fisherman, House of the Gardener, etc.), the first challenge was to highlight the professions in a distinctive manner that would be harmonized with the new aesthetics of the rooms. Thus, artworks were created that illustrate in an abstract way a typical image of each occupation, while also showcasing phrases from important texts of the Greek literature referring to the occupation. The artworks are made with black sheet, material similar to igneous rock.
The new design of the rooms reflects the recognizable aesthetics of Santorini avoiding being 'traditional'. One of the main aims was the flexibility of the sites to be easily converted according to the needs of each customer.
The decoration was aiming to create a relaxing mood that would not obscure the natural environment, would not grab the eyes from the unique view of all of the rooms while also having its own personality and authenticity. The choice of the furniture gives a sense of randomness since the objects do not 'fit' perfectly together, creating a casual atmosphere, warm and 'homey', but also eclectic and chic.
The lighting design took into consideration the need to create, both internally and externally, comfortable and modular spaces since the customer is given various selections and volume options with the usage of several different sources per space and dimmer. For example, in the bedroom area, the customer can choose from his bed among the ambient downlights above the headboard, the reading lights and the abundant light from the ceiling.
The wardrobes were designed with linen curtains instead of doors in order to contribute to the airy, summer atmosphere. Their interior lighting transforms them into a romantic light source at night.
The color palette, dynamic and familiar, borrows shades of the caldera, featuring earthy colors and strong presence of the black volcanic stone. The floors and the windows in soft warm gray color and the whitewashed painted walls create the canvas in which the furniture, with elements of solid wood in natural and white colors and objects of black metal are highlighted ideally. The fabrics, solely of cotton and linen, create a friendly and welcoming feeling.
The designing team cooperated with the Hotel Operator in order to achieve the best relationship among the desired design, the functionality and practicality during maintenance. The furniture containing the minibar, were designed with the intention to be fully operational for the hotel but also to 'hide' objects related to a city hotel. All materials were selected based on the energy behavior, design and reduced maintenance requirements.
Project's Team
Hotel Management: Kihli Hotel Enterprises
Project Management: Kihli Hotel Enterprises
Concept: thingk_Σοφία Βανταράκη Interior Design: thingk_Σοφία Βανταράκη, Κατερίνα Πλώτα
Lighting design: thingk, L4A
Artworks: Λαμπρινή Μάρκου Graphic & Web Design: We Design
Photographer: Λουίζα Νικολαίδου
