Between Ruins

The plot is located near the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, where prehistoric, Hellenistic and Roman findings have been discovered. In the Northwest the plot is facing the sea (Corinthian gulf) and in the South, the Acrocorinth, a rocky cliff 575 meters high where the castle of Ancient Corinth (700 BC) is located. The area has also been designated as a protected ecosystem, due to the bushy Mediterranean vegetation and fauna.

On that 2200 sqm plot, a hotel of 1000 sqm is going to be built. The main objectives of the design are the protection from the northwest winds, the view towards Acrocorinth, as well as the accomplishment of privacy among the residents. The hospitality complex consists of a one-story triangular building with a terrace (reception, restaurant, wc), a cluster of 6 villas with private yard, a two-story building housing 12 rooms and a central courtyard.

The apartments (villas) are placed alongside the east-west axis and they follow the mild slope of the plot. The complex consists of alternating two-story and single-story cubical volumes covered either with tiled roofs or with green terraces accompanied by private yards, water pools and terraces. The division of the volumes enhances the privacy among the tenants, the natural shading and the smooth fitting into the surroundings. In addition, the water pools contribute to natural ventilation and cooling of the building complex. The unit of the villa consists of a ground floor that houses the kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom and living room and the first floor that houses the master bedroom with window to the south and the imposing view to Acrocorinth, bathroom and terrace.

Towards the north side of the plot, a two-story building of 12 rooms is proposed with orientation to the South towards the imposing view of the castle. The main building structure consists of two-story volumes covered with tiled roofs and placed in a jagged layout. This set-up contributes in lightening the basic volume and in enhancing ventilation, natural shading and privacy between the residents of the rooms.

For the central courtyard we propose a semi-outdoor bar, pathways, flower beds with low-height Mediterranean vegetation and palm trees, platforms covered with deck floor and a swimming pool. On the plot, during the excavation carried out by the archaeological service, parts of an ancient settlement were found. These findings will be preserved in the hotel complex and will be visible by the public.

The construction is made from reinforced concrete and brickwork masonry. Metal frames and vertical wooden dividers are proposed. Natural fabrics are used for shading. The walls will be covered with natural mortars in pale shades, in harmony with the environment and with the archaeological site. The floors will be covered with natural stone tiles and pebble floors.