French studio Ciguë drew on Greek modernism when creating the inside of Ace Resort and Swim Membership Athens, which options classic furnishings and specifically commissioned artworks by native artists.
Positioned within the ancient Fenix Resort, a brutalist constructing notable for its jagged facade composed of a number of tiny balconies, the most recent Ace Resort has a pool and was supposed to additionally perform as a spot the place locals can come to swim and dine.
The 120-room lodge sits outdoors central Athens close to the Glyfada suburb and the Ellinikon – an ongoing redevelopment of the previous Athens airport into residential neighbourhoods with buildings deliberate by BIG and Foster + Companions.
Ciguë centered on evoking the historical past of the realm when creating the lodge’s inside.
“The concept was to create a novel city vacation spot round that swim membership idea and the revival of the present constructing, anchored within the spirit of the Nineteen Seventies Athenian Riviera period: relaxed class, pure vibrancy, Mediterranean sensuality,” Ciguë founding associate Alphonse Sarthout advised Dezeen.
“Let’s imagine this venture is sort of a bridge between three cities, Athens, Glyfada and the longer term Ellinikon, and three eras and scenes: Fifties modernist structure heritage, 70s Riviera pool and seaside tradition and the modern Athenian artwork scene.”
The studio eliminated various Eighties and 90s interventions to showcase the bones of the constructing and made a number of adjustments to the format, together with turning all the floor flooring into one gigantic public house and
“[We’ve] totally redesigned the pool and its deck, opened and enlarged indoor areas, creating transparencies from avenue to pool, and a novel axis alongside its fundamental facade – a picket shaded walkway providing a novel house between indoor and out of doors, the place shoppers and locals can meet, giving the general public entry to the restaurant, the bar and the foyer,” Sarthout mentioned.
To create a way of continuity between the inside and exterior, the studio used a sandy-toned terrazzo in numerous finishes, structured by steps and travertine traces, for the flooring that extends onto the terrace.
The facade was clad in white plaster with picket accents and greenery on the balconies to melt the brutalist look. Ciguë additionally added vibrant accents within the type of art work, furnishings and deep-blue ceramic tiles within the lodge’s Sebastian restaurant.
The studio labored with native model Again to the Future to seek out the Sixties and 70s furnishings and equipment that embellish the primary areas and the visitor rooms.
“Like artwork items, classic furnishings is crucial in each Ace Resort,” Sarthout mentioned. “They present their love for design and designers, search for the richness of eclecticism, and belief the facility of a well-curated choice to present persona and a spirit to a spot.”
“Classic items include their very own tales and personalities, like characters in a theatre piece,” he added.
“In addition they deliver this sense of ageing nicely, inviting for use, transmitting a way of welcoming, to really feel extra relaxed and comfy.”
Wood detailing and furnishings and cloth in numerous textures, within the type of throws, rugs and wall hangings, add tactile curiosity to the inside.
“We wish to maintain materials as ‘uncooked’ as attainable,” Sarthout mentioned.
“We have been on the lookout for a basic brightness and naturality all over the place within the lodge to echo this seaside scenario however balanced with hotter tones, sandy flooring and picket accents, to darker moments just like the bar, the touchdown within the staircase and elevators with black flooring. “
Greek-Egyptian designer Salma Barakat created {custom} mattress covers for the guestrooms whereas the entire constructing was full of artworks that have been specifically commissioned for the house.
When coming into, friends are met by facade murals from artists Claire Manent and Panos Profitis, and a silvery art work by artist Bregje Sliepenbeek that provides an ornamental contact to the foyer.
The reception desk is fashioned of an artwork piece created by artist Ilias Lefas from Dionysos marble. Profitis additionally created aluminium wall lamps formed like harpies for every guestroom in a nod to Greek mythology.
Ciguë aimed for the artists to signify teenage Athenian expertise working in quite a lot of mediums and expressions.
“In the long run, this presence of artwork all over the place within the lodge, with all of the tales it accommodates, creates an inhabited place like an artwork collector’s home that resonates with its context and its time,” Sarthout concluded.
Ace Resort and Swim Membership Athens is about to be expanded subsequent yr to additionally embody a rooftop restaurant, bar and lounge.
Ace Resort has various areas world wide. Dezeen has beforehand featured its location in Toronto, which has gigantic fireplaces and a rooftop bar, and Ace Resort Brooklyn, which goals to showcase the neighbourhood’s inventive expertise.
