Project Credits & Specs:
- Architects: K-Studio, Studio Bonarchi
- Photographs: Vangelis Paterakis, Yiorgos Kordakis
- Location: Mykonos, Greece
- Year: 2020
Kalesma is the fruit of a stitchless collaboration between K-Studio, Studio Bonarchi in interior design and styling, and the hotel owners, that binds modernism with the local tradition, reinventing Mykonian hospitality by proposing a laid-back experience of island living.
Kalesma is not really a hotel. It is a village, in the traditional Mykonian sense. There is a local saying, that when a couple marries they make a village, meaning that they will build a home that will grow, over the years, to accommodate generation after generation of their family. Kalesma reimagines the concept of the extended family home, as an intimate hospitality destination that invites guests to connect to the essence of Cycladic life.
Embracing the raw beauty of the arid rocky landscape and dark blue sea, and taking inspiration from the simple honesty of the island vernacular, we have designed a ‘village’ of whitewashed studios and villas arranged parametrically as if pixelating the landscape, around a central ‘plateia’ or communal space. Sitting on the spine of a hill in the northwest part of the island it is uniquely positioned to enjoy views of both the sunrise to the east and the sunset to the west. The communal social areas, wellness area, and boutique are located at the uppermost part of the site, to ensure that these views can be appreciated by every guest as they relax, swim in the pool, or dine on the terrace. Close by a traditional stone ‘Aloni’, a circular structure used for grinding wheat into flour has been retained and repurposed as a meditative platform from which to enjoy the sunset.
Accommodation is compiled of 25 suites and 2 villas, each with its own private pool terrace and sea view. Internal and external spaces are equal in size and seamlessly connected. Entry is through a small courtyard that offers the chance to ‘de-sand’ in the external shower. The suites are divided into a sleeping/living volume and a bathing volume and space is shared equally between them so that both activities can be enjoyed in balance. The volumes frame the terrace which features lounge and dining areas looking over a private pool to an uninterrupted view of the Aegean.
Myconian tradition, local history, and the “Aloni“, an old existing threshing floor, were the source of inspiration for the style of the Kalesma Mykonos hotel. This unique origin arose the necessity for Vangelis Bonios, the interior designer of the project, to create an elemental dialogue between the exceptional surroundings and the interiors.
An amalgam of tradition with contemporary design elements culminated in Studio Bonarchi’s interpretation of the Cycladic style. The interiors of both accommodations and main spaces are characterized by the coexistence of pure Myconian sculptural geometries together with modern linear gestures that intertwine in an organic way. Contrasts between the brightness of white, the natural feeling of brushed wood, and the sharpness of dark brass details illuminate the heritage of this exceptional property. Whitewashed walls together with natural sandblasted stone floors in earthy colors and dark wooden ceilings with chestnut beams and bamboo reeds create an ideal natural canvas for the interiors in a way that allows the blue color of the sea to stand out. Kalesma, which in greek means “invitation“, is a real exploration of themes and textures.
Most of the furniture is custom made, created by greek craftsmen and individual artists so as to achieve a unique, “one of a kind” feeling. Comfortable upholstered sofas with stonewashed linen fabrics, handmade oak armchairs with rattan details inspired by traditional furniture coming from the 50s, and sculptural curved black lava stone coffee tables “co-exist “ with iconic ultra sleek lighting pieces. Beautiful lights coming from the New York-based “Apparatus studio” seem to be the most ideal choice for the project, reflecting a rough yet sophisticated style. Fashion designer Rick Owens’ magnificent brutal furniture with its primitive materials was selected by Studio Bonarchi for the reception and lounge areas adding an artistic value magically connected to the serenity and pureness of the project’s authentic greek style.
Kalesma’s interiors are characterized by a noble simplicity. Sensual materials, rich in spirit, create timeless spaces that allow the visitor to enjoy the true essentials: the greek light and the stunning Aegean sea view.
The project description is provided by the architects.
About the architects:
K-STUDIO is a design practice rooted in Architecture. Their contextual approach produces unique and immersive experiences through Architecture, Interior, and Hardscape Design, allowing them to achieve a holistic sense of experience across the range of spatial qualities within every project. This approach is applied to any scale of the project and allows them to treat larger-scale, more complex works as collections of smaller studies, creating expansive systems for design with greater clarity, definition, and attention to detail.
Studio Bonarchi is a boutique interior design agency conceived by Vangelis Bonios. Constantly focusing on continuous research into texture, composition, color, ambiance, and local history, Studio Bonarchi creates refined, timeless interiors and love-to-live-in spaces. A distinctive noble simplicity, with an eye for detail, consists of the Studio’s identity. Vangelis Bonios is an interior designer, curious by nature, striving for harmony and balance in every stage of his research, in every detail of his work.
