NŌSTOS BOUTIQUE HOTEL
type: Hotel renovation
location: Livadi_Serifos
surface: 740 sq.m.
status: completed
design: C-O lab (Olga Ktenà, Maria Panagiotopoulou)
construction: 4-19 Architects
photography: VISIONOFCREATIVES
This project involved the renovation of an existing 15-room hotel in the settlement of Livadi on the island of Serifos.
The first phase focused on energy upgrades, including replacing all windows, installing solar panels on the roof, upgrading the air conditioning units to heat pump-operated models, and applying external thermal insulation across the building.
From an architectural perspective, the exterior entrance and reception area underwent a complete transformation, reimagined as a communal lounge and breakfast area to serve as a welcoming and relaxing meeting point for all visitors. The design encourages guests to feel at ease from the moment they arrive, offering the option to check in at the lounge. Outside, a central, irregularly shaped bar island with integrated planters and perimeter seating was introduced. Inside the reception, new built-in sofas, a communal large table, and a self-service coffee station were incorporated to create a versatile and inviting atmosphere. All built elements are crafted from grey cement mortar, creating a seamless extension of the flooring. A unique design feature is the ceiling, composed of a grid of white-painted wooden planks at four varying levels, adding depth and visual interest.
In the hotel rooms, the layouts were retained, but bathrooms and furnishings were fully renovated. Additionally, new fixtures, textiles, and decorative elements were introduced. Custom-designed chestnut wood installations in some rooms provide a multifunctional solution, combining a mini bar, luggage storage, TV stand, and desk into a single cohesive unit.
The corridors leading to the rooms were enhanced with small niches in the walls, illuminated with concealed lighting. These niches follow the traditional Cycladic architecture while providing discreet lighting for the circulation areas.
In the basement, a small gym was added, and the hotel’s internal courtyard was redesigned to offer a more inviting communal space.
The materials used throughout include white plaster, cement mortar, and natural chestnut wood for the main structures, while the movable furniture is either wooden or made of lightweight metal frames, complemented by linen fabrics in earthy tones. The plantings consist mainly of low shrubs (such as stipa, lavender, and thyme), reflecting the dry landscape of the Cyclades. Overall, the choice of materials and the design style are inspired by the Cycladic landscape and architecture, with an added touch of luxury and comfort that aligns with the modern hospitality needs of a contemporary accommodation.