Anchored in Location

By Marina Correa

Photography: George Fakaros; courtesy Bllend Design Office

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Hospitality design offers a wide field for experimentation in design and visual appeal. Helen Brasinika, principal designer, Bllend Design office plays on bespoke elements from the ship-building industry to design thematic boutique hotel suites in Piraeus, Greece… 


Location-inspired, this short-stay lodging project following an in-built furniture system packs a punch through its five apartment suites that provide comfort, privacy and ergonomics, albeit, within a limited space…

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Creatively distilling popular words associated with ‘harbour’, the designer has chosen names such as Dock, Mist, Cove, Shoreline and Cinnabar for each of the approximately  32 sq m. suites; and each one follows a thematic in terms of material, texture, colour palettes as well as elements and metaphors they are associated with. For instance, in the Dock suites, the custom-designed work of art reflects romantic memories related to the docks.

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Material-wise, OSB (Oriented strand board) panels make up the doors and paneling, while pine pillars brushed and stained, provide the structural elements. Suffused with a strong fluid character, furniture flows in a continuous ribbon starting from the entrance, where baggage storage and a compact dresser are accommodated; seamlessly flowing on to a desk, TV unit, panelling, kitchen and snack counter et al.   

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The structure seamlessly runs through to the twin bedroom with a spacious walk-in closet and a Japanese style low sofa-cum-bed (to be used as required) that enhances the room spatially, culling out a strong aesthetic for a weary traveler; the underlying premise defining a suite that is meant to encourage communication and camaraderie rather than merely demarcating private and public spaces.

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Moving outdoors is the Harbour courtyard reminiscent of old Greek house typologies offering gardens, a tiled square for yoga and pilates; and benches for socializing and relaxation.

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Interestingly, a strong brand identity is forged via an indoor-outdoor connect, where repetitive patterns appear on tiles, garden benches, bedcovers and even bathroom amenities – anchoring the hotel firmly in its guests’ minds.