PROJECTS

The unrefined charm of the Cretan landscape, with its abundance of earthy textures and forms, acted as a compelling muse for ELASTIC in designing “The Collection” of Daios Cove.

Imparting a quiet yet profound elegance, the design concept emerged with the aim of creating a strong connection with the organic surroundings. The sinuous lines and graceful curves of the cove are mirrored in the aesthetics of the rooms, giving the feeling of a warm embrace, much like how the cove gently surrounds and envelopes the hotel.

The use of curved lines throughout the interior design creates a sense of fluidity and movement that also echoes the rhythms of the sea. From the winding shapes of the curving walls, the soft arches in the structure and bespoke furniture, every element of the design emphasizes the poised, organic lines of the surrounding landscape.

Cretan weaving artwork was mindfully encompassed in the design as a valued reference to the rich cultural heritage of the place. The use of natural, earthly tones and materials, such as wood and marble, emit a sense of warmth, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere that envelopes guests in luxury and comfort.

Through the years, the Cretan untamed soul is reflected and intertwined with its people’s appearance as they use traditional knitted art to convey customs and culture. One such highly symbolic piece or art is the Sariki, the delicate hand weaved silk headscarf which is cherished as an indispensable custom of Crete that defines its rich history and people. It symbolizes the “Levedia”, the Greek word for gallantry, inner sorrow, urge for freedom and simultaneously, through its white color, it becomes a symbol of joy, happiness and hope.

Whilst designing the new restaurant venues at Daios Cove, Taverna and RHO, Elastic Architects were inspired by the creative artwork motifs of the Cretan people and endeavored to embody the authenticity and moderation of tradition as it transcends through textures, art, and ambience. Macramé, a highly valued and widely practiced artform in Crete, proved a potent source of creativity in designing crafted weaving structures that form decorative patterns in all elements of the Cove.

Staying true to the wealth of natural materials in their coarse, unrefined nature, we used clay to create hand-crafted art pieces, Green Onyx and Didimon Marble in fishbone patterns to boast an organic yet dramatic elegance to spaces – one that is reminiscent of the wonderful simplicity found in the rugged surrounds of the Cove.

Drawing inspiration from the Cove’s raw beauty and captivating Aegean Sea, we combined earthly forms with contemporary aesthetics to ensure a flawless integration with the secluded environment while paying tribute to modern functionality and effortless comfort compelled by Cretan hospitality.

An attempt to bring one closer to Crete’s enviable heritage while remaining appreciative of pure, understated sophistication as it fuses perfectly with the astounding, cocooned landscape.

Inspired by myth and history, the spa becomes a cove of infinity. Light and shadow, mixed textures and earthy colors create a welcoming feeling aiming to achieve a unique indulging experience of mind and soul alignment.

It all started with the local myth of Ariadne’s Mitos, the life saving thread offered to her loved one, in order to find the way out of the Cretan labyrinth, the way from darkness into light. The labyrinth is now the place where time stops, it is formed as a garden, the “Kēpos by Goco”, which in ancient times was the place where one could be taught the art of wellbeing and happiness.

And so, the story begins…

The reception area features the sculptural handcrafted pottery on the wall crafted by a local artesian, showcasing the balance between the light and the shadow. The oval ball of thread as a sculptural feature is the starting point of the reception area. It is a calming yet unique arrival experience.

The lounge area is designed as a serene space before the treatment begins. Handmade macrame installation at the center is the focal point and comfortable seating around with soft colors and materials. The woven carpet at the corridors to the treatment rooms, symbolizes the thread that leads its guest in and out of this experience. Lit by hanging lamps, the walls have stone revealed at their lower zone, as a metaphor of  the inner layers of our soul, creating an exciting path. Treatment rooms with stone floors and candle lit recess on the walls express a mystical approach to the guest experience.

A specially designed space overlooking the Cove with exclusive yoga and other sessions in the  Mind & Body Studio is located near the indoor pool area with natural stone finish and amazing views to the sea. The concept of the garden is reflected at the heart of the spa , with a glass ceiling space from where hanging gardens create shading textures on the floor. This space is furnished with daybeds around a firepit and is used for healing treatments.

This spa is a collaboration with Goco Hospitality and Daios Cove team. It delivers a sensory experience, combining design within a holistic approach to health with innovative technology.

“The Collection”

Principal Architects
Ria Vogiatzi. Alexandros Xenos.

Design Director
Chrysanthi Vathi.

Project Architect
Evangelia Kakava.

Architects
Katia Chalkiadaki. Kyriaki Cheiridou. Antonio Cassini.

CGI Visuals
Vasilis Mpountopoulos. Katia Chalkiadaki

Taverna + RHO

Principal Architects
Ria Vogiatzi. Alexandros Xenos.

Project Architect
Chrysanthi Vathi.

Architects
Evangelia Kakava. Annie Neila. Alexandra Spanogianni. Stefania Frousiou. Eua Kotsailidi.

CGI Visuals
Vasilis Mpountopoulos.

KEPOS by GOCO – SPA

Principal Architects
Ria Vogiatzi. Alexandros Xenos.

Architects
Chrysanthi Vathi. Dora Karadouka. Evina Karliafti. George Kiriakidis. Roula Iliopoulou. Aristokratis Charatsaris. Alkmini Vallindra. Marianna Mpougonikolou.

Photos

“The Collection” – Taverna + RHO

Heinz Τroll Photography & Stefanos Apostolidis,

Courtesy of Daios Cove

Kepos by GOCO Spa

Courtesy of Daios Cove

Gavriil Papadiotis Photography