Excerpt: Kálesma by “K-Studio” and Studio Bonarchi combines modernism with local tradition to reinvent Mykonian hospitality. The design reimagines extended family homes as intimate hospitality destinations, inviting guests to connect with Cycladic life. Inspired by the arid landscape and vernacular, the designers have designed a ‘village’ of whitewashed studios and villas arranged parametrically around a central communal space, resembling a pixelated landscape.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] 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 marry 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, the designers 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 north-west 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 composed of 25 suites and 2 villas, each with their 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 from 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 Studio Bonarchi’s interpretation of the Cycladic style. The interiors of both accommodations and main spaces are characterised 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 colours 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 colour 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 50’s 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 their primitive materials were 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 characterised 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.
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