OUTDOOR EDGE LIVING PROJECT | TAKA + PARTNERS

OUTDOOR EDGE LIVING PROJECT exists on the island of Ios in Cyclades. The name of the island is said to come either from the characteristic flowers of Ia, or from the Phoenician word Ios, meaning a pile of stones. Ios Grand Pool Suites, which consists of twelve suites with extensive private courtyards and swimming pools, is perched above the most famous beach of the island of Ios, Mylopotas, while next to it is the picturesque village of the island, built amphitheatrically in the well-known Cycladic architecture. The steeply sloping plot offers the terrain for the development of the building volume in levels allowing unique and unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea. The suites are placed based on the optimal orientation. The visitor can observe the Cycladic light and the calmness of the sea throughout the day and rest with the unique sunset. The local architecture with the narrow openings on the facades, the orthogonal volumes and the cladding with local stone and white plaster is evident throughout the length of the project. The design of the external common walkway tries to reproduce the cobblestones of the island country, setting a scene for exploration. The twelve suites are spread over two levels. The entrance to the upper floor suites is through a traditional wooden patio door that leads to the private courtyard and from there to the interior space, intensifying the sense of home and the Cycladic landscape. Each private outdoor space-courtyard, both on the ground floor and on the upper floor, is designed to host the exact same functions as its interior, encouraging the visitor to enjoy the unique landscape as comfortably as the interior space. The interior design is adapted, harmonized but at the same time inspired by the plasticity and rigor of Cycladic architecture. The suites are connected to the common area of ​​the reception. This space is designed in such a way as to immediately welcome customers in a minimal and contemporary environment with elements of local art. The special flooring placed in this space is protagonist, while the arches subtly complement the design. Basic tools of interior design composition are light, shadow, white, the use of natural materials and contrasts, in order to provide a modern but at the same time calm and intimate environment with a high degree of privacy. The historicity of the Cycladic culture is reflected in the interior design and attributes to it architectural forms, such as the chambers and forms inspired by Cycladic art. The palette of materials consists of local materials, such as local stone and Naxos marble. At the same time, in order to achieve the desired provision of high-standard amenities, some more contemporary materials were added, such as metal structures, contemporary lighting fixtures and glass dividers in balance and with absolute respect for the local aesthetics.

Project name: OUTDOOR EDGE LIVING PROJECT

Category: Hospitality

Project location: Ios, Greece

Client: Tresor Hospitality

Design & Completion Year: 2021-2022

Architectural design, interior design and landscape design: TAKA+PARTNERS

Lead Architect: Aspasia Taka

Design team: Maria Avramidou, Maria Solidaki, Stelina Rizou, Georgia Talari, Elektra Nikou

Photo credits: Stathis Bouzoukas