This project is about a 5* Hotel & Bungalows Resort located in North Crete. To the North it has unobstructed view to the Sea overlooking the Aegeon Pelagos, while the distance from the beach is 170 m approximately. The National Highway that crosses the north front of the plot, poses serious privacy and noise pollution issues that needed to be addressed in order to create a Resort that is welcoming and turns its back to the traffic of the highway. Similar to all northern Crete Resorts, the View to the Sea faces the north, which also sets a design challenge with regards to the orientation of the whole project. Thus the main focus of the Project Layout was to satisfy both the terms of Privacy and Orientation.
Global Future Design Awards 2023: Entries Open!
Silver 🏆 Winner
Global Future Design Awards 2022
Pytharia Bungalows & Resort in Crete
Hospitality Architecture (Concept)
Architect/Designer
Constantinos Yanniotis, Alexis Chortogiannis, Stratis Papastratis
Design Team
Constantinos Yanniotis, Alexis Chortogiannis, Stratis Papastratis
Location
Northern Crete
Country
Greece
Photographer/Copyright
©Vassilis Simeonidis, Architect NTUA
The Bungalows Layout cover approximately the three quarters of the Buildable Area, thus leaving the South East corner for the development of the 5* Hotel which is located at the highest level of the plot. The Bungalows are arranged in clusters of two, three or more units. Between the Bungalows clusters, a series of Swimming and Decorative Pools are arrayed following the gentle slope of the ground. The free, organic form of the Layout applies also to the pedestrian and buggy paths. The main entrance to the complex is located to the North East corner of the plot from where a path leads the visitor to the Main Entrance of the Hotel and to the Lobby in order to complete the check-in and then be transferred either to their Hotel room or Bungalow.
THE “PYTHARIA” CONCEPT
“Pytharia” in Greek is a word used to describe the large Terracotta Containers used to store food or wine in the ancient times. These Containers continue to be utilized until today in various shapes and sizes. Thus the “Pythari” concept is the core idea that shapes the design of the whole complex; i.e. the layout of both the 5* Hotel and the Suites Bungalows.
The Circular Form of the container provides a shelter against the Northern winds and the intensive summer sun, while at the same time it enhances the privacy of each bungalow unit. In addition, this form oriented always to the North-South axis, provides controlled sunbathing and acts as a protective shelter from the noisy front of the National Highway.
THE 5* HOTEL
The Resort apart from the Bungalows Suites Clusters, also includes a 5* Hotel that will operate mainly in winter time, thus reducing the operational costs during the low season.
The design of the 5* Hotel complex follows the “Pythari” concept as well. It consists of several Circular Containers (”Pytharia”) outlined by a curved, perimetric wall in section. The “Pytharia” volumes stand apart from each other, thus leaving an organic form, outdoor space in between for circulation. This arrangement allows for interesting view frames not only to the Sea but also to the Resort complex itself. Furthermore, it relates to the Bungalows Suites Clusters forms, and of course it enhances the morphology of the complex.
The 5* Hotel develops in two levels with the “Pytharia” placed one on top of the other. The Ground Floor of the Hotel is dominated by the common areas, while most of the Deluxe Rooms are located at the First Floor Level.