Nafsika Astir Pallas Hotel

Mikro Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, Attika, 1976-79

Architects
Constantinos Decavallas (1925-),
Antonis Georgiadis (1921-),
Emmanuel Vourekas (1905-1993)
First prize in architectural competition (1972)



This cosmopolitan 360-bed hotel was an effort to reconcile the intensive exploitation of the land required by the client ("Astir" Hotels S.A.) with the architects’ intention not to damage a landscape of unique beauty. Thus, the large volume of the building conforms to the configuration of the steep coast, is laid out in graduated levels descending from top to bottom and following the curves of the terrain. The result of this effort does not do justice to the efforts and abilities of the architects, because the Nafsika Astir Pallas could not possibly fail to alter the character of one of the most beautiful sites in Attica.
The preliminary design submitted by the three architects won first prize in the architectural competition by invitation (1972). In the final design, the hotel spaces are laid out on seven levels. The customary location of the public functions in relation to the floors containing the rooms is reversed. Thus the entrance, the reception areas and the multiple uses hall are on the sixth floor and the restaurants, bars and kitchens are on the fifth floor. On an intermediate level, in about the centre of the public areas is the main lounge with the garden, the open-air swimming pool, the cafeteria and the superb view of the sea. On the remaining four floors are the rooms and suites with their ancillary areas, while the parking lot is in the basement. On the last level there are also the snack bars and service areas for the people on the beach.
The materials that dominate the exterior of the building are concrete, dark coloured, coated aluminium doors and windows, varnished wood and polyester on the partitions between the private gardens and rooms.

TRANSPORTATION