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

Reconstruction Complex: 4 seasons, 4 perfect movements in harmony with each other

The complex of four villas is situated in a peaceful location at the village of Vourvoulos in Santorini. Vourvoulos is located 3.7 km north from Fira, 2.5 km east from Imerovigli, right in the center of the northern part of the island. It is amphitheatrically built facing the northeast and the east coast of the island. The original architecture of the village is a pure sample of the traditional Santorinian architecture.

The old complex of four houses was reconstructed and transformed, from the bearing structure, into a luxurious villas’ complex with private spacious patios and pools, fully harmonized with the natural environment and the beautiful view of the Aegean sea. Every villa has two bedrooms with private bathroom and can accomodate up to 5 people. Architects main concept was to highlight the traditional island architecture and combined it with contemporary design, elegance and modern amenities in a total white scenery with the use of color to give a touch of uniqueness.

The design concept and the decoration style that is followed to the internal and external spaces is a journey through time, through the four seasons of the year. Each villa is inspired by the color palette of a season, the romantic spring, the vivid and fresh summer, the ethnic autumn and the contemporary winter. A mix of genres and trends, a combination of materials, multicultural journey. The traditional architecture combined with the principles of modern design, the graceful architecture of Cyclades completed with notes of the Arabia and East creating multidimensional spaces with distinct personality.

Particular attention has been given to landscaping with the use of flowers, plants and trees in order to continue the interior color palette to the outdoor spaces. The creation of a pool in every villa contributes to improve the quality of the final aesthetic result. The user's contact with water, inevitably creates a sense of intimacy and psychological comfort that contribute to relaxation and tranquility.

iSuites are designed by Oikos Architecture www.tsebelis.com

Photography by Thanos Rivios 

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.