REDEFINING LUXURY

Jessica Sturzenegger
Dec 24, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Jan 18, 2021

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND OUR AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTURE DESIGN: EIRINI ROUSSAKI & KONSTANTINOS KALAITZAKIS

Our architectural brief for the resort focused on creating an elegant and luxurious environment that respects privacy and, at the same time, provides flexibility with numerous room arrangement combinations, without sacrificing all necessary amenities for kite maintenance and storage.

We had a post-luxury or barefoot luxury concept in our minds allowing guests to reconnect with nature while enjoying modern day comfort and serene privacy.

"We wanted to introduce a whole new concept in this area by creating a small luxury boutique hotel that preserves the local characteristics and culture while respecting the environment and the nature surrounding it."

Our vision was to create a compound of private villas that blended unique design with effortless luxury, integrated seamlessly into the natural landscape and catered for travellers and kite-surfers with style. We are convinced that luxury can be achieved by working with high-quality materials and beautiful lighting and does not need to be overdone.

THE DESIGN

"The private villas offer a unique design and effortless luxury."

The key element of the architectural design is a linear water feature, located between the two parallel rows of the villas and leading all the way to the restaurant/bar facilities. This feature serves as the "central spine” of the hotel, creating a micro-climate and providing a point of reference that unifies all areas and functions. It becomes a landmark which adds to the unique character of the venue. At the same time, enhancing the perspective with its linearity, it leads the eye towards the ocean view.

Pure architectural forms recall Brazilian modernism with an emphasis on horizontality. Elongated linear elements, like the canopy and wooden pergolas, create a serene atmosphere. Landscaping is used to enhance privacy and acoustic isolation.

THE MATERIALS

"In order to create this exclusive cutting-edge contemporary design that harmoniously blends within the nature, our choice of materials was the key factor. Our focus was on quality, local craftsmanship and authenticity."

We sustainably sourced local stone, timber and plants to integrate the buildings with their natural surroundings. We added impact to the facades using the decorative Brazilian construction style Cobogó.

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE HEART OF THE DESIGN

The villas are constructed as sustainable luxury sanctuaries, using architectural styles that lessen the need for air-conditioning.

As the resort is located at the equator and in the windiest area of Brazil, leveraging renewable energy sources, particularly wind power technology and solar cells is a must.

The energy consumption will be further reduced through energy-smart houses and efficient appliances while electric golf carts will provide transportation around the resort.

And because green feels good, our design brings plants inside buildings to create calm, relaxed and healthier environments.

THE RESULT

"The result is a unique design, celebrating quality in all the details that also protects the guests from the region’s harsh winds."

The villas are conceived as luxury retreats offering a spectacular view of the lagoon. The structures blend effortlessly with their surroundings, ensuring modern aesthetics, and a luxurious, comfortable stay.

Kostas and Eirini are married since 2003 and have collaborated in various design projects.

Both are born in Greece and have graduated as Architect Engineers in NTUA. Konstantinos has extended experience in residential projects and he is specialized in private villas with a master’s degree from Pratt Institute, honoring an Outstanding Merit Award in 1997. Eirini has vast experience in the design and construction of private and public works, focusing on residential and commercial projects with the master's program in “Design - Space - Civilisation”.