This 87-room hotel is situated in the centre of Kalavryta, a ski resort in the Peloponnese. Inspired by the dramatic mountainous setting and the town's historical significance as the birthplace of the Greek resistance movement, the hotel design blurs the boundaries between the natural and the monumental. The perpetual flux between the fluid and solid in the natural world is contrasted with the permanence of architecture.
The monolithic exterior recalls the awe-inspiring bulk of icebergs, its imposing façade interrupted by the main entrance at the junction of two streets. The soaring glass frontage reveals the warm core of the building, drawing the visitor inside.
The communal areas on the ground floor combine wood panelling and angular glass shards, reflecting the natural interplay of light and dark. This contrasting use of textures creates a sense of intimacy in a space characterised by airy coolness.
References to snow and ice are reiterated in the bedrooms, with ceiling lights that resemble stalactites, a reflective glass alcove above the headboard, and brilliant white carpets.
