KALESMA MYKONOS – PUBLIC SPACES

Hotel

Kalesma Mykonos – Public spaces

Kalesma is the fruit of a stitchless collaboration between K-Studio, Studio Bonarchi 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.Embracing the raw beauty of the arid rocky landscape and dark blue sea, and taking inspiration from the simple honesty of the island vernacular, we have designed a ‘village’ of whitewashed bungalows 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. Accommodation is compiled of 25 suites and 2 villas, each with their own private pool terrace and sea view.
Myconian tradition, local history and the “aloni“, the old existing threshing floor, were the source of inspiration for the style of the Kalesma Mykonos hotel.This unique origin arose 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 earthly colours and dark wooden ceilings create an ideal natural canvas for the interiors in a way that allows the blue colour of the sea to stand out. Kalesma, that in greek means “ invitation “, is a real exploration of themes and textures.
Most of the furniture are custom made, created by greek craftsmen and individual artists so as to achieve a unique, “one of a kind” feeling. Comfortable upholstered sofas with 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” and fashion designer Rick Owens’ magnificent brutal furniture with their primitive materials were selected by Studio Bonarchi for the reception and lounge area 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.

LOCATION : MYKONOS YEAR : 2019 – 2020 STATUS : COMPLETION 2020
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