sitting along the mediterranean sea edge, the mykonos white boxes resort proposal by athenian studio potiropoulos+ partners constitutes a spatial narrative of the attributes found in this particular place. the dialogue between the proposal and the natural landscape of the area, as well as with the living memory of local traditions, outline the main design principles.

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
access zone: the perforated mass functions as a puzzle made out of repeated scenes that frame the landscape

 

 

potiropoulos+ partners has developed the resort complex amphitheatrically, with multiple and successive levels resembling terraced fields on a hillside. built in equal courses with intermediate empty spaces, the room and suite units create linear arrays that evoke drystone walls at a bigger scale. furthermore, one key feature of this proposal is the natural lighting that fills the parts extracted from the main volume. the impression that results from this design gesture (white volume with repeated motifs/voids) reminds the viewer of a traditional dovecote — a perforated nest for domesticated pigeons. this relationship of mass vs. void which defines the overall layout and form , allow the resort to be seen as an integral part of the landscape panorama. in other words, the built environment seems to be penetrating the natural and vice versa — in extension, they seem to complete each other. 

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
the prevalence of the harsh, angular and white shapes/materials/colors allow a second reading on the design

 

 

the regularity in the design is overturned by the semi-outdoor spaces of the main building and wards of the rooms, as they are defined by organically shaped and perforated horizontal and vertical surfaces that interact with natural light. these seemingly random geometries create a powerful sense of movement and flow in section and elevation — even though the program and functions work according to a distinct geometric system. the division goes as follows: public spaces are located on the lower level, in a single tiered building facing the sea. as the complex expands towards the shoreline, the oblong swimming pool and the main outdoor area unfold and seem to reach for the horizon.

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
view from the sea

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
main open space showing a play of natural light and perforated geometries

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
swimming pool and main building 

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
night view: the scale and shapes alternate between far and close, inside and outside 

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
northeastern orthographic view

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
masterplan of the mykonos white boxes resort

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
transverse section showing the terraced design

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
reference images

mykonos white boxes resort potiropoulos+partners designboom
concept diagram showing the concepts of integraiton, succession and flow 

 

 

project info:

 

architects: potiropoulos+partners, dimitris potiropoulos, liana nella-potiropoulou
project director: myrto koutsovoulou
3D visualization: batis 3d design studio
client: private
location: mykonos, cyclades
plot area: 374.000 m2
built area: 44.000 m2
project year: 2016

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom