GASTRONOMY IN AN AUTHENTIC CYCLADIC CONTEXT: AN ADAPTIVE REUSE NARRATIVE
[Winner for Hotel Interior Greece 2022 | International Property Awards]
How does a design bridge the gap between historical vernacular roots and contemporary culinary lifestyle? Nestled deeply within an authentic residential neighborhood of Naoussa, Paros, surrounded by local everyday life, this project showcases the power of adaptive reuse. BllendDesignOffice transformed an abandoned concrete structure—originally intended as a private summer residence—into a high-end boutique hospitality and dining destination that respects and enhances its architectural micro-environment
The experience transitions seamlessly into the indoor space, which acts as a sanctuary of tactile and olfactory exploration. Dried Coconut palm leaves and specialized CLEAF surfaces that meticulously mimic weathered, aged wood introduce an organic, time-worn texture to the interior. Pushing the boundaries of sensory design, the service counters were proposed as sculpted to resemble hay bales, coated in real straw that diffuses a subtle, authentic scent of the wild countryside—directly engaging the guests' sense of smell to evoke deep-rooted memories of the Cycladic landscape
Outside, the lounge and dining area unfold through a modernist approach to materiality. A curated combination of semi-tropical flora and Mediterranean herbs integrates the landscape into the culinary experience, creating a poetic and theatrical interplay of light and shadow. The expert curation of resilient materials and premium ceramic slabs ensures absolute spatial flow, allowing the gastronomic space to feel like an organic extension of the neighborhood
At night, the setting turns architectural and theatrical. Strategic linear LED lighting at a warm 3000K temperature enables the lounge volumes to visually hover, establishing a contemporary, welcoming ambiance. The minimalist white entrance of the structure remains completely abstract, contrasting sharply with a black basaltic water volume. A striking fire pit crowns this aquatic structure, beautifully juxtaposing the warmth of fire against the coolness of water. Underneath the pool deck pergola, guests are invited to unwind and savor creative culinary creations crafted from organic, locally sourced Greek ingredients
Client: Parion Opus Boutique Hotel
Concept Design: BllendDesignOffice
Building & Landscape Architecture, Interior & Lighting Design: BllendDesignOffice
Execution Study & Bespoke Furniture: BllendDesignOffice
