CAVES & WAVES

A landscape characterised by sparse, mostly low and bushy vegetation. Few trees – mostly cedars - are visible in the region. A harsh, dry, rocky, Mediterranean landscape with earthy colourations. A sloping landscape, eroded at its lowest point by constant direct contact with the sea. The natural formations and cavities of the rocky terrain, created by the long-term exposure to the sea water, were the starting point for the compositional design.

The myth unfurls through the dual meaning, firstly of the cavity, or cave, as a receptacle for residence, and secondly of water, the sea waves, as a potential natural source for producing kinetic energy capable of shaping both the actual formation of the living space; that is, the cave, but also the bioclimatic functionality of the sustainable hotel complex.

The vision of this architectural proposal is the creation of an exemplar of a bioclimatic hotel, fully integrated into the natural landscape, which uses the orientation and views with integrity, favours natural cooling and ventilation of the interior spaces, is constructed from natural, recyclable materials, uses sustainable energy sources, manages water, waste, and effluent ethically, and as a result, becomes integrated into the international network of sustainable buildings by minimising its ecological footprint, while simultaneously increasing its positive impact on the environment.  

Spatial analysis of the hotel complex comprises 5 distinct zones which are connected with the street layout of the private town planning of the settlement, as well as with each other through a central network of internal traffic that incorporates the movement of electric vehicles for internal distribution, and that of pedestrians and electric bicycles/Segways. Zone A includes the common areas of the central building (reception, lobby, main restaurant, spa & wellness, gym and tennis courts) and has direct access to and from the local road network. Zone B includes the premium and premium swimup rooms with sharing pools and concept restaurant 1. Zone C includes the junior and junior swimup rooms with sharing pools, concept restaurant 2, together with the VIP reception and access via the settlement road to the east. Zone D includes the VIP rooms with private pools, and Zone E includes the seaside lobby serving clients awaiting club cars, the beach restaurant, and the beach bar, the swimming pool, the sandy beach, piers connecting with the sea, a dock for small vessels, and the sea restaurant.