Page 161 - MYCONIAN COLLECTION MAG 2017

the art of living

Ambassador and started to develop «My Mediterranean culture is one infused with emotion, the sea and
their ideas right then and there. exuberance. To respond to such qualities, I layer my buildings and landscape
The renovation was completed
over a 5-month period and proved with emotive space and form. Users will therefore become emotionally
a resounding success on opening involved with the space in opposition to strict modernism where which
in May 2015. A year later, Marios
Daktylides commissioned Gala’s attempts to disengage us by providing universal, anonymous spaces».
firm to undertake the extensive
renovation of the K Hotels –
“another amazing and challenging
experience”. The main challenge
was to conceive, design and execute
extensive renovations during the
winter season over a period of 6
months. “The greatest challenge
often lay in reacting on the spot to
emerging pressures and unexpected
site conditions, and to propose
alternative solutions all while
preserving the original story. On
such fast-track projects, this is a
common occurrence, and I must
say that the Daktylides family
were fully involved and hands-
on throughout the construction”.
With regards to the ambiance
and design, the starting point was
to choreograph the entire guest beds standing like Myconian thrones “Our approach is not about displaying architecture bravado, but more
experience, from the entrance at the centre of the rooms. Korali about creating architecture that blends and disappears within the natural
environment”, explains Galal.
of the resort to the arrival in the is Cycladic minimalism taking in
room. “It’s all about creating a true the full frontal spectacular views
escapism experience inspired by of Chora. The priority was the
the context and its high values. We iconic view, hence the bold and
want to immerse guests in Greek minimalistic approach towards
Mediterranean lifestyle, to allow the interiors.
them to live the location’s culture GM Architects have been designing
and history in comfort and luxury. hotel resorts and sea front luxury
Each of the hotels we worked on villas throughout the world for the
for the Daktylides family speaks past 20 years. “Our approach has
of the location’s story. For the always been about the context and
Ambassador which is very close its characteristics. It’s not about
to the beach, the inspiration came displaying architecture bravado, but
from the various colours of the more about creating architecture
sea, ranging from dark blue to that blends and disappears within
the magical Cycladic turquoise, the natural environment, all while
the graphic patterns of traditional benefiting from the exceptional
fishing nets as well as the outline values of each of these locations”.
of the surrounding hills. As for Galal Mahmoud considers himself
Kyma, it was about reproducing “an adopted Myconian” “I have
the traditional Cycladic village been in love with this magical
with its narrow streets, hidden island since I first came with my
doorways, invasive wild greenery parents in 1969! And I have never
and romantic sized rooms. Naia missed a single summer since then.
was inspired by the Mycenaean The effect of the calm energy on
culture and architecture, with dry your well-being cannot be found
stone feature walls and 4-poster anywhere else.

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