arthitectural.com » Architecture

Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos | Alcatel Head Office

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:42:45 +0000

The building appears as an isolated block, morphologically linked to the ones around it, with a distinctively contemporary architectural language.Using a volumetrical speech similar to the adjoining volumes, the new building is carved in order to soften and project its image to the outside. The form is enhanced as a project-asset, contributing for the intrinsic dynamics that is intended for the global proposal.

The two levels give place to one, through the “folding up” of the entrance level. The new volume releases itself from the ground, as a business card for anyone who enters. Suspended over the void, it directs people to the entrance, which is made to the North over the void that gives access to the parking lot.

The rotation of the upper volume translates, on the base level, a negative that directly exposes the parking lot, allowing construction to mix with a green protection area. The building is intimately connected with its natural surroundings, taking advantage of it as a barrier against external agents.

In terms of materials, the solution is as restrained as possible to ensure the sobriety of the whole. Therefore, a limited range of materials is introduced in order to emphasize the formal clearance required: white spread surfaces and screen-printed glass are assumed as predominant materials.

Location: Cascais, Portugal

Architect: Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos

Co-Workers: Sofia Salazar Leite, Rita Conceição Silva, Rita Sá Nogueira, Filipa Ferreira, Joana Quintanilha, Diana Mira, António Pinelo

Project year: 2008
Conclusion year: 2009
Construction area : 11.051,81 m2
Landscape Architecture: PROAP
Structure and foundations: AFA / GET
Special technical facilities: AFA
Hydraulic plants: AFA
Photos: FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra

Tabanlioglu Architects | Istanbul Sapphire

editor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:47 +0000

In terms of architecture, Büyükdere Boulevard is a competitive environment where Istanbul Sapphire emerges as the first high-rise residential of the city. As a residential, leisure and middle-size shopping center project located in the “business administration” center of the city, the building rises in agreement with the surrounding high-rises and still in human scale by means of nature-friendly facilities like vertical gardens, where the residents can open their windows to their terraces or gardens even at the highest levels, on account of the double-layered façade.

10 of the 65 floors are below ground and 55 floors are above the ground where the street level entrance from the main street is to the shopping area after a small plaza. The residential units have their private entrances. With the antenna the construction is 261-metre high. The two top floors are reserved for the café and simulation hall where one may experience Istanbul in 3-D, and at the very top the observation deck is open to public.

Being the highest structure in Maslak, Istanbul Sapphire claims a new way of life relying on the opportunities of contemporary architectural and urban manner, respecting the environmental values of the world.The building is basically a concrete structure supported by steel elements. The thin building form is supported by the two cores at the narrow ends. In different levels of the building, there are residences of different sizes with a private terrace or garden; the building is planned as 4 separate housing zones, and in the 4 common areas between the sections; there are various social areas and indoor gardens for the residents of the building: these buffer zones also house the maintenance and support facilities and the mechanical systems of the building.

The 4-meter (gross/net 3.40) high ceilings and floor-to ceiling transparent glass windows benefiting the panoramas to the most, grant ample volumes and optimum daylight. All apartments either have balconies or large decks and gardens; 360 degree spectacle panoramas include the Bosporus, the forest views and the cityscape at the highest point of the city. The building façade consists of two independent shells. The interiors are protected from adverse weather conditions and noise on account of the outer shell. This transparent shell also creates a buffer zone between the indoor area and the outside, and has a positive effect on structural solutions. Most originally, the space created between the two shells is used as gardens and terraces of each apartment; every three floor is a component with a garden floor and two floors overlooking the gardens, around the atrium there are 9 or fewer apartments depending on the size of each unit.

The garden zone is naturally ventilated though the louvers taking the air in (at lower lever) and out (at top). The louvers automatically open and close according to weather conditions; the interior temperature is always almost equal to the exterior temperature. Although there is a restriction for balconies above the 11th storey, due to the double façade application, the interior gardens protected by the outer shell provide a unique experiment of being in your private garden in a skyscraper. Living in a tower, yet the feeling is sharing a 3-floor house with close neighbors like in country side or in a traditional Istanbul house.

Environmental friendly systems of the construction grant low energy consumption. The double façade itself provides a 25-30% saving in air conditioning. Furthermore, the green areas, namely the indoor gardens at various levels, offer a natural and a warm setting for those living at higher levels as well. Besides the inner gardens, every ninth floor recreation areas, such as a mini golf course at 187 meters with a great Bosporus view or a swimming pool overlooking the woods of Istanbul, are programmed.

On the city’s new central business district, alongside the corporate skyscrapers, there are the escalating residential towers. The people who are moving back from gated communities in the outlying suburbs demanded a City life back in the core of the metropolis. For the last five years, Büyükdere region has started to regain its allure by alternative residential developments. Joining the developing elegant and contemporary neighborhood in the booming region, the 261-meter hi-technology Tower possesses a smart cityscape; at the same time its elegant and transparent the structure contributes to the image of the city.

187 apartments – with different floor plans, varying in size basically from 120 m2 to 447 m2, including 1100 m2 penthouses and duplexes – are flexible for unison and smaller divisions, situated at 48 floors of the construction. Viewed from the outside, the building gets slightly thinner as it rises upward. As of the fourth level, it expands downwards and the glass covering the surface of the building earns a sort curve and then extends horizontally as the skirt of the building, which covers the cafés, bars, restaurants, cinemas and stores, maintaining the integrity of the retail and social zone. This area, designed especially for high-quality brand shopping, is perceived as a multi-layered, dynamic, large single space. This wide space benefits natural light to the maximum extent, and in addition to the stores in this broad area, as of the basement, four levels of shopping zone have been planned in the ground floors.

In addition to the comfort provided by the modern technology, Istanbul Sapphire has the infrastructure and the location that will ensure easy transportation. Owing to the metro connection and the 6 underground car-park levels, the transportation and the parking problems are solved. A part of the 6-storey underground car park has been reserved as storage areas for the residents and for other storage services.Being the highest structure of the country, especially after the big earthquake of 1999 in Istanbul, the building is designed according to new earthquake and fire regulations. The vertical circulation is provided by 14 elevators 8 of which are express elevators at high speed; in addition there are 8 conveyor belts and 13 escalators. 2 elevators have direct access to the very top floor where the restaurant and the observation deck is, the privacy of the residences are preserved by private access.

Central heating and ventilation, security, maintenance services and “intelligent house” system grant a user-friendly environment and easy access. The complex, supported by the recent technologies and professional service administration, offers a comfortable and fashionable life-style. Technological facilities, modern healthy infrastructure and management policy makes the building user-friendly and provides easy maintenance. Starting at the main entrance and the elevator access, digitally controlled systems provide a protected environment, supported by the security personnel as well. There is 24-hour concierge service is ready for operational directives. Immediate services and other facilities granted to the residents of the building, beside the shopping facility. To motivate a futuristic social mood with its roots back in local traditions, the architectural approach with smart local solutions created an energetic and at the same time serene and easy house-life in Sapphire where one steps in to new way of living and become a member of younger generation aiming high.

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Architect: Tabanlioglu Architects | Melkan Gürsel & Murat Tabanlioglu
Client: Biskon Yapı A.Ş
Architectural Project Team: Murat Cengiz , Salih Yılgörür, Aydın Işık, Hakan Bağcı, Ozan Öztepe, Funda Tezel ,Ali Çalışkan, Ahmet Çorapçıoğlu, Selen Ak,Ali Eray, Mehmet Vaizoğlu, Aybige Tek, Recep Semizoğlu ,Merve Yücel, Necmettin Selimoğlu, Adnan Tarı ( Site Coord.), Ayla Ecer ( Site Coord.)
Interior Design: Tabanlıoğlu Architects
Hande Pusat , Derya Genç, Esra Demirtaş, Burcu Biçer, Aslı Aydın, Sinemis Yargıç, Suda Ayşe Karaduman, Ayşe Aydoğan
Main Contractor: Biskon Yapı A.Ş
Structural Engineering: Balkar Engineering
Mechanical Engineering : GN Engineering
Mechanic Consultant: Boz Project & Consultancy
Electrical Engieering : HB Teknik
Housing Consultant: Servotel
Shop Mix: Alkaş Consultancy
Facade Works : MF Metal Und Fassadenplanung
Architectural Lighting: Studio Dinnebier
Wind Tunnel Test: Ruscheweyh C. GmbH
Security: Tepe
Elevator: Barlas
Fire Consultant: Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Kılıç
Site Area: 11.339 m²
Construction Area: 165.169 m²
Photography: Helene Binet, Murat Germen, Emre Dorter, Thomas Mayer

Les Architects FABG | Musee Stewart du Fort de l’Île Sainte-Hélène

editor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:53:12 +0000

L’Arsenal du Fort de l’Île Sainte-Hélène, a former warehouse for ammunition and guns, was built between 1820 and 1824 and was converted into a military museum in 1956. The Stewart Museum has a large collection of over 30,000 objects and artifacts of Nouvelle France and the European influence in North America.

For this project, the architects revised the master plan of the site development and we did feasibility study which included a functional and technical program.

The museum’s transformation program was developed to meet the following requirements:
- Grouping functions which were similar;
- Facilitate the circulation and improve the visitor’s experience;
- Improve climatic comfort ;
- Improve the safety of people and goods: alarm system, sprinkler, emergency exit;
- Improve accessibility for disabled people;
- Improving the mechanical and electrical systems: efficiency,conformity and security.

The project involves the installation of an elevator in the courtyard and an architectural staircase to improve universal accessibility and the circulation through the museum ‘s the three levels. The elevator is covered with mirrors to create the effect of a kaleidoscope which binds the new construction to it’s historical context.

Location: Montreal, Canada

Architect: Les Architects FABG

Photos: Steve Montpetit

Special thanks to v2com.biz

Hawkins\Brown | Coventry University Hub

editor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:50:33 +0000

Hawkins\Brown has completed Coventry University Hub, a new 8950 sq m building which brings together state-of-the-art facilities for student’s informal learning and well-being under one roof. Taking a bold and innovative approach responding to the highly competitive market to attract and retain students, Coventry University commissioned Hawkins\Brown to create a ‘home from home’ for its 10,000+ students. The resultant Hub is a one-stop-shop responding to students’ key needs by providing a place to visit during the day for socialising and informal learning whilst creating a safe and vibrant environment during the evening for entertainment.

Located at the heart of the campus and within the historic quarter famed for Coventry Cathedral, Sir Basil Spence’s post-war modernist icon, the Lshaped plan of the new £19m building opens up previously inaccessible routes through the campus and links to the city centre. The main East-West route across campus has been widened and allows for a long view of the cathedral spire. A large bright yellow steel gate utilised during evening events protects external courtyards created within the depth of the plan.

Along the north and east elevation the building recesses at ground floor level to provide shelter on the approach to the two main entrances into the Hub. A roof terrace maximises the opportunity for green spaces and offers striking views across the university campus and city centre beyond. A key feature of the new building, the exterior is clad with a flush glazed curtain walling system wrapped around like a taut skin or hard shell. Taking inspiration from the neighbouring cathedral’s use of artist designed decorative glass, the glazing here is patterned with a ceramic frit that enlivens the facade and creates a surface texture with depth. The absolutely flush surface provides a clean unbroken sightline to emphasize the dramatic sculptural form of the building.

Designed with state-of-the-art IT, networking and security facilities, Coventry University Hub is open 24/7 and able to accommodate 1000 students at any one time. It provides a comprehensive range of facilities including dedicated areas for employment and careers, health and faith arranged over 4-storeys. Additional facilities include a Student Union bar and flexible event space that can cater for gigs, screenings and productions. Areas are colour zoned according to the primary function: yellow for informal learning; red for entertainment and to indicate that alcohol may be consumed; blue for medical; and purple for faith.

2,800 sqm of space within the building is allocated to Informal Learning and at first floor level the space extends over 100 metres along the northern perimeter. Fusing the library and common room – if the Hub as a whole is ‘home from home’, Informal Learning is the ‘living room’ for the campus. Responding to a growing trend of students living at home with their parents and travelling in to the University for the day, Informal Learning provides a place for students to pass time between lectures – to socialize, relax or carry out private study. Both students and staff share facilities to encourage cross-fertilization between disciplines as well as breakdown traditional barriers.

The design rejects the use of conventional rooms in favour of playful bright yellow bespoke furniture – booths and nests – which are of a sufficient size to sub-divide the space further and provide small-scale semi-enclosed interiors. The bespoke furniture comes complete with power and large flat screens to work in tandem with laptops (personal or available on loan from
the reception) with a wireless network available throughout the building (including the roof terrace), providing all the facilities required for activities ranging from private research to group tutorials. Playing on the idea of a ‘home from home’ the booths are house shaped, the nests contain super-sized ‘fatboy’ bean bags and domestic fittings including sofas, low slung chairs, rugs, wallpaper and lampshades are employed throughout to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Location: Coventry, UK

Architect: Hawkins\Brown

Design team: Russell Brown, Marvin Chik, Heidi Corbet, Alice Cutter, Nick Gaskell, Jason Martin, Morag Morrison, Emily Pang, Chloe Sharpe, Nina Strunk, Rebecca Williams, Kim Winston, Angelique Wisse

Project architects: Jason Martin, Nick Gaskell
Value: £19m
Gross internal area: 8950 sq m
Client: Coventry University
Structural / Civil Engineer: AKT
Services Engineer: Max Fordham
Project Management: Davis Langdon
Quantity Surveyor: Gardiner and Theobald
Building Contractor: BAM
Landscape Architect: Plinke
Lighting Consultant: Max Fordham
Access Consultant: David Bonnett Associates
Interior Designer: Hawkins \ Brown
Audio Systems Consultant: The Studio People
Photography: Tim Crocker

ARThitectural on flickr Part 1

editor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:51:53 +0000

Our Flickr Pool has now more than 160 photos! As you know the best pictures will be published on the 5th day of next month, highlighting the photographers credit with a link to his Flickr page.

The best five pictures from Flickr Part I are:

Photo by: Yiannos Vrousgos | Sperone Westwater Gallery | Foster + Partners | New York

Photo by: giacomobeccari | Chiesa del Cuore Immacolato di Maria | arch. Giuseppe Vaccaro | Bologna, Italy

Photo by: ‘O Tedesc | Casa Batllò | Antoni GAUDI | Barcelona, Spain |

Photo by: Carol Aplogan | Ile-de-France | Paris, France |

Photo by: david pasek | Residential Building | čppa - češka priesner partner architektur | Wien, Austria |

You can submit your own photo here. Don’t forget to follow us through Twitter and our Facebook Fan Page to find many more features.

ARCO Arquitectura Contemporánea | Casa Sauces

editor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:05:34 +0000

Remodeling and expansion of a residence built in the 70′s located in Mexico City. The project rescued all the valuable architectonic details integrating them into a new contemporary proposal. The goal was to achieve a better relationship between the interior and exterior, as well as a better use of the space.

Elegance, functionality and grand inflows of light were the axis on which the new interior proposal was based. The main façade required the most privacy possible, compensated with the total opening of the back façade towards the garden to make the most of the views.

The program was solved in different levels. The public areas are located in the main level, half a level above the master bedroom and a family room. Half level below are the secondary bedrooms sharing a separate living room. In the private areas was done the largest structural intervention, a court yard was closed to make the bedrooms bigger and to make a terrace in the master bedroom, that also has a fireplace and excellent views of the garden.

The result is a house with generous double height spaces and ample mid levels with a well defined design. All the spaces round up visually framing important works of art. The purity of the white color, the brightness of marble and limestone, and the dark wood tones balance the harmony achieved in and out doors. The garden has Zen details and a pond with fishes and plants.

The lighting was designed especially for each space while respecting the existing slab and trying to win the greatest height in the areas using only suspended lamps. It is fully automated with AMX and Lutron controls for audio and video distributed in all areas for comfort and adequate use of energy.

Location: México

Interior Design: ARCO Arquitectura Contemporánea |Arq. José Lew Kirsch, Arq. Bernardo Lew Kirsch
Construction and site supervision: ARCO Arquitectura Contemporánea
Associates: Arq. Olga Berezhnaya, Arq. Federico Teista, Arq. Leslye Gonzalez
Arq. Guillermo Martínez, Arq. Gilberto Prado, Arq. Pedro Feldman, Beatriz Canuto
Materials: Marble, wood, glass, aluminum and steel.
Furniture: ARCO Arquitectura Contemporánea
Esrawe Diseño, Ezequiel Farca, Artelinea
Kitchen: Olimpic

Year: 2007
Construction: 575 m2

Project name: Casa Sauces
Photography: Jaime Navarro

CVDB arquitectos | Day care and Elderly Residential Centre

editor — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:11:43 +0000

The project is located between in an urban area with a residential neighborhood mainly with social housing for low income families uphill and an area with various public buildings at the lower part of the valley.

The elderly day centre is in between these rather different social, programmatic and physical realities, thus celebrating both its private and public character. The building presents itself as a counterpoint to the architectural character of the existing housing neighbourhood and therefore it tries to establish s strong sense of architectural identity for the existing communities, through its particular coloured and textured materials.

The 60 dwellings are set out in two rows facing east-west on four interconnected floors. The spatial sequences of the circulation and of the voids in the central area are part of a bioclimatic strategy which creates several meeting points for people to talk and allow vertical transparency between floors. Conceptually this space will be sufficiently flexible to allow residents to come to feel at home in the place they live in.

The ground floor is constructed by black slate volumes as a counterpoint to the transparent large glazed areas which accommodate the building’s social and most public spaces. On the outside, the private garden, which is a social meeting point of the inhabitants of the Centre, appears as if were a visual extension of the public space as it can be opened to the public as well. The building/garden seeks to fit in between the various urban tensions that are present in the landscape.

Location: Oeiras, Brazil

Architecture and coordination: CVDB arquitectos
Project data: Open national competition – 1st prize, 2002, completed 2007
Client: Camara Municipal de Oeiras (Oeiras Municipality)
Total Built area: 5 000 sq m (53 820 sq ft)
Construction cost: € 4 000 000 euros ($ 5,705,198 USD)
Competition stage: Cristina Veríssimo, Diogo Burnay, Patrícia Ribeiro with Catarina Anastácio and João Roldão.
Basic design: Cristina Veríssimo, Diogo Burnay, Patrícia Ribeiro with Ana Duarte, Catarina Anastácio, João Roldão and Marta Frazão.
Detail design and construction documents: Cristina Veríssimo Diogo Burnay, Patrícia Ribeiro with Marta Frazão, António Cotrim, Ana Duarte, Filipa Pedro, Manuel Pelicano, Tiago Santos.
Site supervision: Cristina Veríssimo, Diogo Burnay with Marta Frazão.
Landscape architecture: Global, arquitectura paisagista, ltd, Inês Norton.
Foundation and structural engineers, water and drainage: Sipca, Engineers and consultants, ltd, Jorge Lipari Pinto and Fernanda Felix.
M&E, security, fire regulations: Tecnopert, ltd
Acoustic consultant: Certiprojecto, engineers and consultants, Palma Ruivo.
General Contractor: Mota-Engil, SA
Project name: Day care and Elderly Residential Centre
Photography: FG+SG and Diogo Burnay

CCM² Architects | Exhibition Center of Sherbrooke

editor — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:59:38 +0000

The mandate of the “Centre de foires de Sherbrooke” (Exhibition Center of Sherbrooke) conducted by CCM² – Côté Chabot Morel Architects includes site analysis, the design of the site plan and the floor plans, the volumetric studies, the materials selection, the establishment of the performance criterias and a constant support as a specialized external resource for the City of Sherbrooke until the complete realization of the project. The expertise and qualifications of CCM² Architects are well recognized in the community to carry out such projects. For several years, CCM² Architects have done several feasibility studies, conceptual works, analysis and construction of exhibitions centers in Quebec (Quebec City and City of Laval in Canada).

EXHIBITION CENTER OF SHERBROOKE
Located near the downtown of Sherbrooke, the Exhibition Center serves as a gathering place and an unique representation place in the region. Which offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of rental space. The project’s main objective is to create divisible exhibition areas if needed for dedicated events for the wide public. The program includes the creation of exhibition halls, meeting rooms, offices, central hall, cloakroom, ticket office, restaurant and other technical spaces.

The total project area is approximately 103,000 square feet. The main exhibition hall of 60,000 square feet, designed according to the highest standards in terms of functionality and specialized equipments, can be divided into three exhibition spaces when various events take place simultaneously. On each sides of the exhibition spaces are located the related services. On one side, the technical spaces with the loading areas, storage areas and recycling areas, and on the other side, public spaces including the lobby, cloakroom, ticket office, services, restaurant and meeting rooms on the second floor.

The architectural concept can be resumed essentially by the desire to express the internal activity of the building. Upon his arrival on the site, the visitor sees a large glass hall that show partially the internal activity of the exhibition center. The main hall contains the essential services and allows visitors to walk through a space flooded by natural light. The pixels pattern on the glass surface created by a semi-transparent film adds a light veil on the indoor activities taking places in the hall and adds a subtle texture to the glass wall. From the outside, the angular shape rises and highlights the main entrance. Sculpted and defined as a break of the glass block, the main entrance is the key element of the project and marks the transition between the exterior and the interior environment. The use of bright yellow color shows the internal activity of the exhibition center. This color sequence animates the facades like if the internal boiling energy was breaking up partly and shows the festive character of the place.

CCM² Architects is one of the most important architectural firms in Quebec City, Canada. Firmly established since 1963, the firm has always been able to find creative professionals and experienced technologists while ensuring its renewal. The firm now revolves around two associates: Pierre Morel and Mathieu Morel, with more than 50 years of experience, well supported by a permanent team of experienced designers and technicians.

CCM² Architects is renowned for the quality of its realizations and its ability to produce distinctive and original architectural concepts in accordance with budgets and schedules. It is also known for its professional quality services focused on customer satisfaction and users and on creating a distinctive architecture. The dynamism of the team, combined with his creativity and his constant search for innovative ideas, enabled the firm to earn over the last fifteen years more than twenty awards for the quality of its interventions including several at national level.

Location: Quebec, Canada

Architect: CCM² Architects

Client: The City of Sherbrooke
Realization: 2010-2011
Credit / image : Stéphane Groleau

Special thanks to v2com.biz

Camenzind Evolution | Seewurfel

editor — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:03:02 +0000

The eight new apartment and office buildings are situated close to the town centre of Zurich and offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding cityscape. The project regenerates a former industrial site into a new attractive center for working and living and integrates itself harmoniously into the existing historic fabric of the area. The project was awarded the RIBA World-Wide Award 2005 by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The project Seewurfel (“Lake Cubes”) is based on a concept of piazzas that were created by the careful positioning of the eight buildings. The individually landscaped piazzas and external spaces create a variety of different environments to be used and enjoyed by the occupants and their neighbors. A system of layering and framing, reflecting that of historic neighboring buildings, was used to create depth and give structure to the facades. Based on these concepts, the plan and size of each building was individually determined by its function, the orientation of windows according to lake views, the external piazzas, and the relationship to the neighboring buildings.

To give the buildings their own individuality and unique identity within the Seewurfel development, CamenzindEvolution specifically developed a new silicon-bonded timber-glass-panel cladding system. The strong color and texture of the timber-glass panels, together with the soft, moving reflections on the glass, create a human ambience of lightness and warmth in the piazzas between the buildings. The constant play of light and color, together with the seasonal changes of trees and foliage of the landscaped piazzas, create an all-year-round inspiring environment for tenants, inhabitants and neighbours.

The lower three floors of each building contain office space and the upper two floors are used for luxurious maisonette apartments. The architectural principles established by the building’s exterior flow from the outside to the inside, developing a holistic design concept. Flexible and individually usable space has been created around fixed volumes containing bathrooms and utility rooms. The continuity of timber, glass and fair-faced concrete from the exterior to the interior, enhances the play of color, texture and light. This together with the high level of fine and precise detailing and quality workmanship creates a soothing, luxurious living environment.

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Architect: Camenzind Evolution

Photos: Ferit Kuyas, Jean-Jacques Ruchti, Reinhard Zimmermann, Dani Lupini, Monika Nicolic, Ralph Richter

Aygoustis Krousis | Astarte Suites Hotel

editor — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:10:58 +0000

Astarte Suites is a spectacular 9-room complex designed by Aygoustis Krousis and located on a cliff on the beautiful Santorini Island in Greece. Small, but with impeccable services, infinity pool, and unforgettable views, the hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway.

Here is an excerpt from the official description from the architects: “Magic is in the details at Astarte Suites, beginning with the twinkling Swarovski stones that adorn the ceiling above each suite’s Jacuzzi pool, ending with the personalized service each guest enjoys.

Surrounded by soothing shades of white and stone, guests are sure to find bliss here. During their precious down time, guests can relax and unwind next to Astarte’s stunning turquoise infinity swimming pool, which overlooks the Aegean Sea’s tranquil blue waters and nearby rocky cliffs.

Leisure and cultural options abound nearby, such as in Akrotiri, an ancient city buried and preserved by volcanic ash-known as the Pompeii of the Greek islands-and at Red Beach and White Beach, the ultimate locales for a spectacular day of fun in the sun”.

Location: Santorini Island, Greece

Designer: Aygoustis Krousis