Astra Suites Renovation project: Shine among the stars

Perched atop the most stunning volcanic cliffs of Santorini, resembling a picturesque Cycladic village, discover the Astra Suites hotel of peaceful Imerovigli village in Santorini, Greece! Breathtaking panoramic views of the mysterious caldera, the sleeping volcano, and the endless blue Aegean sea, Astra Suites is now listed in the Top 25 Hotels of the World and fully justifies its name as one of the stars, meaning of “Astra”, of Santorini island.

Astra Suites is located at Imerovigli, the second largest settlement on Santorini after Fira, the main town and capital. Though, Imerovigli maintains a totally quaint character, making it the most tranquil of all settlements on the western coast of the island. It is, by far, the most picturesque ‘balcony’ the island has to flaunt, boasting countless specimens of authentic Santorinian architecture and some of the most appreciated views in the world…

Astra Suites is comprised of private suites, most of them with outdoor private swimming pools or jacuzzis where guests can enjoy undisturbed views and the mystical energy of Santorini at the spacious verandas.

The design concept and the decoration style that is followed to the renovation project is a mix of genres and trends, a combination of natural materials, a journey through colors and textures. The traditional architecture is highlighted by the principles of modern design, the graceful architecture of Cyclades combined with the convenience of modern amenities and create a relaxing and sensational ambience indoors and outdoors, ideal for guests wishing feel the unique spirit and energy of authentic Santorini.

Astra Suites are designed by Oikos Architecture www.tsebelis.com

Blue Canaves Oia: old Vinsanto canava renovated into a luxurious villa

Blue Canaves Villa served as a winery and cellar or “canava” for producing Vinsanto at the turn of the last century. The beautiful organic shape and proportions of the smooth walls, vaulted ceilings and arched openings tell the story of the house and how it was constructed by carving into the soft pumice stone earth of the village hills.

The old canava renovated into a luxurious villa ideal for honeymoon or a romantic get-away in Santorini. The spectacular private courtyard spanning the famous caldera cliffs, neighboring villages, glistening blue Aegean and infinite azure skies capture the imagination and awaken the soul.
The interior residence, individually designed and defined by the ultimate in comfort. It consists of a sensual living room with double jacuzzi, fully equipped kitchen area, a romantic double bedroom and a glamorous  bathroom.

A warm and elegant living area with handcraft jacuzzi. Celebrate your personal occasion accompanied by campagne in the jacuzzi and feel the divine touch of luxury. Hand selected furnitures and exquisitely arranged details complete the imposing living area which leads to the kitchen and bedroom.

The bedroom with the whitewashed interior, sleeping area is providing island warmth and grandeur. Simple yet luxurious, the bedroom provides optimum relaxation for genuine connoisseurs of luxury living. The kitchen with the smooth lines and bright colors is fully equipped with high quality appliances and utensils, ideal for preparing meals to enjoy in your private courtyard.

Bathroom is resplendent in harmonious hues of the Caldera and the sea of the Aegean. The interior of this curvy shower is glamorous and sparkling. Bold splashes of local art adorn the sculpted plaster walls. 

Sensational private courtyard overlooking the Aegean Sea. Sun lounge offers picture perfect azure views straight to the caldera and volcano. Open-air dining area on the upper deck with built-in sofa and table for 3 persons, ideal to enjoy your wine with the amazing sky colours during the sunset.

Blue Canaves Villa is designed by Oikos Architecture www.tsebelis.com

Aura villa: Yellow radiates summery vibes at a renovated villa in Oia

Aura Villa, perched atop the most stunning volcanic cliffs of Santorini at Oia, with breathtaking panoramic view of the mysterious caldera, the sleeping volcano and the endless blue Aegean Sea. In perfect harmony with the magnificent landscape, radiates bright positive energy and fully justifies its name yellow “Aura Villa”.

The old traditional house renovated and transformed into a luxurious villa with the characteristic bright yellow color as a reference design tool, to radiate inspiration, spiritual piece and positive vibes to the mystical energy of Santorini. Architects main concept was to maintain the traditional island architecture and combined it with modern design, comfort, elegance and luxury through the touch of a vivid, lively color.

Aura Villa has an outdoor heated jacuzzi and spacious veranda where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the caldera. Suites are crafted with respect in traditional architecture and combine the warmth of Greek Island charm with the convenience of modern amenities.

The skillful use of natural materials, harmonious color palette, furniture with references to traditional elements (built-in beds and sofas) and a touch of multicultural design, create a relaxing, summery and luminous ambience indoors and outdoors, ideal for guests wishing feel the bright spirit, eternal beauty and energy of genuine Santorini.

Aura Villa is designed by Oikos Architecture www.tsebelis.com

Photography by www.gventouris.com

Villa Irini: renovation project with an airy cycladic architecture touch

Villa Irini is perched atop the most stunning volcanic cliffs of the region Agia Irini – Mesaria, only a two-minute drive by car from the capital of Santorini Fira, with breathtaking panoramic views of the mysterious caldera, the sleeping volcano, and the endless blue Aegean sea.

Villa Irini comprised of two traditional apartments with spacious patios and outdoor jacuzzi and eight studios, crafted with respect in traditional architecture and combined with the convenience of modern amenities, elegance and luxury.

Villa Irini is characterized by the highlighting of the traditional architecture combined with the principles of modern design. The skillful use of natural materials, the Cycladic island white-blue color palette, furniture with references to traditional elements (built-in beds), create a relaxing and sensational ambience indoors and outdoors, ideal for guests wishing feel the unique spirit and enjoy the panoramic views of authentic Santorini.

Villa Irini renovation project and 3d model plans are designed by Oikos Architecture www.tsebelis.com

Architect's Cave House: Cycladic architecture meets bohemian chic

The Architect’s Cave House is carved into the cliffside of Oia with breathtaking panoramic view of the mysterious caldera, the volcano and the infinite Aegean Sea. The residential complex of Oia, on the north western side of the island 11 km northwest of Fira, was the first one in Greece that was listed as an architectural monument and integrated into the Program for the Development of Traditional Hamlets.

The Architect’s Cave House is consisting of two tranquil, stylish, traditional suites. The junior and the senior suite which are fully-equipped in order to provide a comfortable, relaxed and unforgettable stay.

Both suites offer amazing view to the Caldera, the Aegean Sea and the world-famous sunset of Oia. As most residences in this charming, picturesque village, The Architect’s Cave House follows the unique architecture of Santorini.

Suites are freshly renovated and partially into the volcanic soil, like the well-known cave houses, both suites are ideal to house your memorable days and nights in one of the world’s most stunning sceneries.

Each suite consists of an open plan bedroom with a double bed, a bathroom, a spacious living room, a sofa bed, a beautiful kitchen and a private veranda. At the private veranda relax yourselves in the jacuzzi with stunning views to the sparkling Aegean waters and the volcano.

The decorating style of these stunning suites is a seamless blend of traditional ambience style with a boho touch and authentic contemporary interior design, featuring gorgeous, brightly colored traditional furniture that set the mood for the most cheerful holidays of your life and reveal the beauty of authentic Santorini.

The Architect’s Cave House is designed by Oikos Architecture www.tsebelis.com

The water element in architecture

Water, the essential element for the existence and development of life, is directly related to the design as dominant composition feature, revealing architecture’s dynamics.

Water is an extremely useful synthetic tool. Besides improving the quality of the final aesthetic result, contributes to the local microclimate, with an environmentally friendly way, through natural cooling. The water through evaporation absorbs heat from the moving air masses, achieving the natural cooling of the building.

Water has certain features, which with appropriate manipulations, may highlight it into the dominant element of architectural synthesis. Primarily, water is a transparent element which allows passage of light there through and generally can be interposed between the observer and any structural or decorative element, without eliminating the sense of sight.

Additionally, pictorial interest may show the variations of shapes and colors, which occur due to the refraction of the water passing through "filter" light. On the other hand, particular interest has the feature of every water surface to behave as a mirror. This implies the fact, that the architect is able to reproduce the image of all or part of the shell, if the architectural design reasons require it.

The integration of the water element in the architectural design implies some direct effects on the user. At first, water is a natural element and a prerequisite for the development of life. Contact with this specific natural element, inevitably creates a sense of intimacy and psychological comfort. Meanwhile, the water, which can be at rest, intense activity, or even in an intermediate of these two extreme conditions state, is able to create plurality of different emotions. In addition, should not be overlooked the role of each water element as a visual, auditory or a combination of both stimulus.

In conclusion, water may be included in architecture with various ways, offering increased interest and strongly diversified nature final results, always according to current requirements and the limits of designer’s imagination.