The color as a design tool

Color is the codification of human nervous system to distinguish the wavelengths of light, incident on the sensor organ of vision.

Color is an integral part in human life as everything surrounds us. Color moves us and expresses our feelings, affects our mood, reveals part of our character and shapes our psychology. Each color has its own "power" and expresses different emotions.

Human's relationship with color dictated by nature, which is the most important color inspiration. The images and influences, natural environment gives us, are so many and so rich that are imprinted in our memory and consciousness and are identified with colors and words. Besides many shades defined with names derived directly from nature, such as the blue of the sea, the red of fire, the vibrant green of leaves, the sand beige or the lemon yellow. So the color palette is the vocabulary of colors in nature.

Color and architecture are integral, indivisible and interrelated concepts through time. Always color in history of architecture was an important element in the building’s form. Especially in the traditional architecture of many cultures polychromy predominated, with colors that usually came from the natural environment of each region.

The way modern movement used the color has played a significant role in the image of contemporary city. The way is not simply decorative but more structural and substantial, color describes masses even different functions and movements through building’s space. Color in Architecture is used as a design tool to highlight the architectural elements, the route, the engraving and signage, the use and gives identity and character.

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.

When art meets architecture

Perched atop the most stunning volcanic cliffs of Santorini, at the quaint Cycladic village of beautiful Oia with breathtaking panoramic views of the mysterious caldera, the sleeping volcano, and the endless blue Aegean sea.

The villa with spacious patio crafted with respect in traditional architecture and combined with the convenience of modern amenities, elegance and luxury.

Natural materials, warm inviting color palette with ancient greek references outdoors, pure white indoors with a touch of multicultural design given by beautiful textures, fabrics and pieces of art from all over the world, furniture of exceptional elegance with references to traditional elements (built-in beds and sofas) and antiques create a relaxing and sensational ambience ideal for people with vibrant and intense personality, who don’t comport with plain and characterless spaces.

Besides when art meets architecture the result could be nothing less than a unique, exceptional and stunning effect with distinct personality that suit perfectly with the mystical character of Santorini.

Luna Santorini Suites

Luna Santorini Suites is proudly located high on the island's medieval village of Pyrgos, the old capital of Santorini until 1800, offering panoramic views of the island, the Aegean blue, and the famous, all over the world, Santorini sunsets.

The old canava renovated and transformed into a luxurious villa, fully harmonized with the natural environment in the picturesque village of Pyrgos. Architects main concept was to maintain the traditional island architecture and combined it with modern design, comfort, elegance and luxury.

The villa is comprised of two traditional suites, with an outdoor heated jacuzzi and two spacious patios where guests can enjoy undisturbed views of Santorini. 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, warm inviting color palette, furniture of exceptional elegance with references to traditional elements (built-in beds, table and sofas), antiques of historical and sentimental value and a touch of multicultural design, create a relaxing and sensational ambience indoors and outdoors, ideal for guests wishing feel the unique spirit, eternal beauty and energy of authentic Santorini.

Luna Santorini Suites are designed by Oikos Architecture www.tsebelis.com

Architectural sculptures through space and time

Architecture is considered to be the "mother" of plastic arts. The main goal of architecture is to meet the basic human and spiritual needs, distinguishing the person from his environment, while creating a sense of human scale.

Traditional architecture worldwide, is structured from local materials, defined by the topography and the climatic conditions of each area. Although Santorini belongs to the Cycladic architecture, characterized by simplicity, plasticity and scale, simultaneously takes advantage of the peculiarities of the island and has created a built environment with an unusual freedom of expression through time, creating Santorini’s traditional architecture.

Oikos Architecture’s works combine traditional island architecture with modern design, comfort, functionality, ergonomics and luxury. The source of inspiration is nature, movement and human. Particular interest is given not only to the mass of the building singularly, but also to the aesthetic effect of a project in the specific environment in which will be situated, for this reason pure forms and materials are preferred to be easily understood and familiar to the public.

The mass of total construction breaks in a variety of forms and shapes, creating an interesting synthesis which is the characteristic morphological feature of all projects of Oikos Architecture. The wide use of natural materials and concrete preformed into unique forms, creates a special effect perfectly assimilated by the natural environment.

All edges are rounded inside and outside of the building, thus creating the illusion that the actual dimension is lost and the building is characterized by plasticity and movement, like an organic form that flows through space and time, like a sculpture emerges through the mystical energy and eternal beauty of Santorini.

Renovation: an old canava into a luxurious villa

Watch a renovation's integrated process video of an old canava, in the picturesque village of Pyrgos in Santorini, into a luxurious villa. Tradition meets contemporary design and modern amenities. The purity of plasticity is combined with the delicacy of natural materials and the beauty of patterns, creating a multicultural concept with high respect in traditional architecture.

Fabric in interior design

The fabric is one of the most important parts of interior design that highlights the space and adds a touch of warmth and immediacy. The coordination and choice of fabrics is one of the key elements for an integrated decorative effect. There is so much variety in yarns and designs, which makes fabric the most flexible mean to add texture, color and pattern in a space, as well as create a specific mood and ambience.

Pillows, throws, sofa fabrics and any other use of fabric, as a mean of epidermal decoration, transform a space and give the character and style it deserves. Linen, cotton, silk, wool, geometric motifs, floral and ethnic prints, an endless palette of textures, colors and designs, combined appropriately to give any room a distinctive personality. A variety of fabrics and textures is the secret to give to a plain and indifferent space a 3dimensional, layered sensation.

The creative use of fabrics could transform and give strong personality to a space, combining the traditional architecture of Santorini with the mysterious, warm and full of colors Arabian and Indian design through a contemporary point of view, creating a multicultural and very special outcome that reflects the interaction of the island with foreign cultures for many centuries. There are no rules, there are no limits, only personal taste. Countless combinations of patterns and colors create a unique style by transforming a simple space into a work of art, following two key words: harmony and balance.

Tips for stylish results:

• Maintain a similar overall color theme. Of course, this does not apply to the colors used as contrast colors.

• Use the lighter color of the fabric for accessories like pillows, candles, etc.

• To create interest, simply combine fabrics with different weave and relief elements. For example, use silks and cottons.

• Mix different fabric patterns sizes.