On an east oriented plot nestled among the North Sporades island of Alonissos’ wild and natural landscape, a 3-level reinforced concrete frame was built in 2018 under a previous building permit. Οn this ‘canvas’, facing the protected and full of ancient shipwrecks marine park of the island, our creative team was requested to implement a 6 suites boutique hotel with as little intervention to the existing structure as possible.

The project’s concept was more specifically based on the therapeutic herbs of the island which exceed the 6,000 species, a fact that contributed to Alonissos being the home of the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy.As a result came the creation of a building - “botanic garden”. The garden has been developed in 4 levels- 3 of which are extended up to the ground floor of the building and the fourth on its first floor-, all accessible by the guests, triggering the visitor’s senses.

The connection of the new building with the beach of Glyfa, which is only 50 meters away, with its crystal clear waters and white pebbles, is achieved by the use of light colored and fine-grained terrazzo floor placed on both levels of the building, making the building “barefoot friendly”. The ‘water element’ is present in all suites, in the form of small pools or Jacuzzis.

The interior of all suites is open to both sides, offering great views; to the mesmerizing marine park of Steni Vala -at the frontal west side of the building- and to the verdant olive grove-in the East-, which turn the suites into dual aspect-spaces. The necessary shading for the large west openings of the building is achieved by a secondary façade made of vertical wooden blinds, which on one hand protect against the ‘harsh’ western Mediterranean sun, while creating a joyful play effect in its interior spaces. Vertical wooden elements are also used in a different density as partitions of the suites’ exterior spaces, while in other cases those elements are “bended” creating outdoor seating benches.