Full Moon

Inspiration for the concept of the hotel came from the famous painting Full Moon by the artist Yannis Moralis. The painting is a superb example of advanced geometric abstraction, distinguished by solid compositional structure, purity of form, harmonious proportions and dynamic rhythm of flowing curvilinear themes and interlocking patterns. Both the geometric shapes of the composition and the colour palette of the painting were used in the design of the hotel.

Yannis Moralis was a multifaceted art figure who was received many distinctions in Greece and abroad. He was among the leading figures of twentieth-century Greek art — a great painter, sculptor, printmaker, stage designer and teacher whose works reflect the wealth of his visual imagination and the broad spectrum of his interests.

On a plot with a slight slope and full of scattered olive and lemon trees, located on the island of Zakynthos, 200 meters from the Ionian sea coast, a 4* tourist complex was designed. Although the plot is situated close to the sea, the view towards it is obstructed, therefore it was decided that the unit should be developed around the plot and all the views from the rooms should be oriented towards the inside of the garden, creating an introverted micro-settlement.

A open-air fireplace with a sunk circular seating area around it, is placed in the center of the complex, serving as the main meeting point for the residents. The fire, the living flame that burns incessantly in the centre of the house, the temple or the city, is the symbol of the greek goddess Hestia. The Greeks, believed that Hestia contibuted in the invention of the art of building of the first house. Also, as she represents the unity, the main/central part of the house was dedicated to her: that is, where the fireplace was put and all the members of the family gathered around.

The composition of the complex resembles to an abstract spiral, a curve that starts from the centre (Hestia) and expands like a spiral towards the external boundaries of the plot of land. The structures that host the activities of the complex (three units of single-story bungalows, three units of two-story buildings full of double rooms, reception area, restaurant, pool bar) surround the central open-air space of the garden and the swimming pool. The geometric forms are interrupted by organically shaped paths, lawn beds and the central circular seating area (Hestia) which consists the heart of the hospitality complex.