concept design, 2022
in collaboration with DZA
The owners of a well-known restaurant in Zakynthos wanted to expand their business to hospitality. Making use of a small family property – an olive grove overlooking Tsilivi Beach – the resort concept is to involve the visitors with the olive harvesting processes, combining culinary and agricultural tourism. In order to preserve as much of the olive grove as possible, we proposed a treehouse unit that is elevated at the foliage level, with an elongated shape that fits in-between the existing trees. This allows for views towards the settlement and the sea. A total of nine treehouses are scattered around the plot, connected by branch-like paths. Similarly, the communal spaces of the resort are laid in separate volumes, including a reception, kitchen, restaurant pavilion, w.c., and a staff room with storage. The curved shaped buildings are constructed with load-bearing masonry walls with local stone and mortar cladding.
