The story behind the new Greek hotel that received an international gold architecture award

Isla Brown Corinthia is the product of the transformation of the 70’s hotel “Hanikian”, in Agios Theodoros Corinthia. The protagonists of the design of the new venture of the Israeli entrepreneur Leon Avigad are the Elastic architectural office, which for this project was awarded the gold prize of the recent International Design Awards (IDA) 2022. {Booking now here}

Last summer, the first 5-star hotel of the well-known Brown chain was opened Hotels in the area of Aghii Theodori Corinthia. Isla Brown Corinthia, with 166 luxurious rooms, swimming pools, restaurants and spa, aspires to be a haven of high aesthetic hospitality with affordable luxury. {Booking now here}

The international organization International Design Awards (IDA) awards outstanding professionals in the field of Interior Design, Architecture, Graphic and Fashion Design internationally. The Farmani Group founded the IDAs as the sister of the annual Lucie Awards, which have become one of the most recognized photography awards worldwide. This year Elastic Architects won the gold prize of the international competition International Design Awards. We spoke with the co-founder and head of the office, Ria Vogiatzi.

What sparked the idea to design the Isla Brown Corinthia?

Inspired by the location and the structure itself, Isla Brown Corinthia was born in our minds and hearts long before it was put on paper. The first time we went to the site to see the existing building we were amazed. It was an independent rectangular building, on a different scale from the rest of the building environment, seaside on the Saronic Gulf with plenty of land around it. Arriving at the rooftop we were mesmerized by the breathtaking view. Seamless, 180 degrees from east to west, it was immersive. At that moment the vision of designing a landmark, a sculptural work of art designed in such a way as if it had always belonged there, was born. We were honored to work with the amazingly talented, visionary behind Brown Hotels, Leon Avigad, who was constantly guiding and pushing the boundaries of creativity and design. Seeing this rectangular structure standing next to the Saronic Gulf, he aspired and motivated for a building with organic forms and shapes. A design journey with brainstorming and creativity that we will always remember. {Booking now here}

What was the source of inspiration and the concept of the hotel?

The inspiration came from the topography of the Northern Saronic and was kept as a guide throughout the design. With the intention that the overall structure and aesthetics of the hotel appear as an extension of the landscape itself, we designed the redefinition of its architectural identity, incorporating key natural elements harmoniously merged with Greek mythology. With the hotel standing at the northern end of the Greek volcanic arc, next to “Sousaki”, a dormant volcano, legend has it that beneath it lived a giant named Typhoeus, who with the opening of his hands bridged East and West. Inspired by this mythological personification of a volcanic eruption, endless design visions were created in our minds, imitating the movement and fluidity of lava.

This idea would give us the impetus to transform the former rectangular, massive, iterative modernist building and give it an organic form, inspired by the geological formations of the landscape under the intense natural light. In this way, the rectangular volumes of the building were transformed in our minds into a pile of white “pebbles” placed on the shore by the giant himself. Our vision of successive curved surfaces on the facades of the building would give a dynamic form and a sculptural effect. The intention to evoke a sense of movement and fluidity parallel to that of the lava was decisive in the way the facades were structured. {Booking now here}

During the design process, special emphasis was placed on energy conservation and a low energy footprint, due to the reuse of the existing structure. The aim was to emphasize the central building by using new materials, which are part of the principles of sustainable development and modern morphology, without degrading the architectural quality.

What are the rules that make a “temple” of hospitality what it is?

Thinking unconventionally, instead of designing with color, materials or just practical sophisticated forms, we aim to design experiences. We anticipate and design emotions, from the moment the guest arrives at the hotel until the moment they leave, arriving in a lush garden paradise with casual vibes and a stunning sea view, revealed through the organic pathways designed by Karolos Hanikian. {Booking now here}

Our aim was for the visitor to enter the dark atmosphere of the reception, an unexpected feeling of entering a cave, with organic forms and simple colors such as white and gold dominating. Further inside the stunning bar area is revealed, where we find the bar in a dramatic shape of molten gold, hand-blown glass and a ceiling constructed as a work of art. The view unfolds as the visitor approaches the bright, sunny restaurant, giving an inside-out feel as it connects to the garden itself and the sea. The spa is an almost mystical space, lined with burnt lava tiles that unfold secret pathways to the spa area, exuding an ethereal atmosphere and a healing sense of self-care and self-awareness. This space leads to the gym, which looks directly at sea level and offers a dazzling view to gaze upon while enjoying your workout.

The spaces are bright, refreshing, alive as if the visitor has emerged from the caves of the volcano into the sky. The color palette includes volcanic shades of terracotta and amber, copper mirrors, gold and colored glass, while the bespoke furniture was designed to offer a sense of organic luxury, inspired by distinctive natural elements. The rooftop experience is spectacular, the rooftop pool bar offers 360 degree views with a field of view literally as far as the eye can see. The water gives a feeling of beach and sandy texture, while islands of sunbeds and umbrellas in the pool area exude the atmosphere of uniqueness in the design that forms an absolutely fascinating experience. {Booking now here}

Can you describe to us the moment when you felt most proud of the construction of this particular hotel?

I was visiting the site and my team, led by Glykeria Bimi and Stratis Scopelitis, guided me along with Hill International and the construction team. Passing through the bar area on the ground floor, I saw workers installing the amazing, but very demanding, corrugated ceiling. I will never forget the faces of these people, the pride and diligence they showed in their work. They looked happy, taking pictures of their work, as they felt they were part of creating a unique masterpiece. I always say that an architect knows if the design is good, from the first impression of the people who build it. Surely they have seen a lot. {Booking now here}

At that time we discussed the complications of a construction where everything is on curved lines and the contractor had to bring in boat workers to carry out the work as only they have the necessary expertise. I thought that such an amazing building needs three kinds of people with enough madness to make it a reality: an owner with a vision, Leon Avigad, a contractor with knowledge, Mr. Antonis Vamvakousis, and an architect with inspiration.

Is there a trend, for the area of Corinth, behind the design of this particular hotel? Like the renaissance of destinations close to big cities?

Leon and his team at Brown’s vision for revitalizing the area is a truly revolutionary idea. The location is unique with beautiful scenery and a fascinating history. A beach with crystal clear waters that has been awarded the Blue Flag environmental award. All this amazing scenery just an hour’s drive away from Athens. Going to the site was a daily excursion for us. This proximity to the center of Athens makes the choice of location great. Loutraki was also a unique location and a favorite Greek getaway destination. The design of the hotel is a holistic 360 concept, a “beacon” in the Saronic Gulf, which brings light and attracts interest and attention to the area, revitalizing it with a new architectural identity. {Booking now here}